As expected, Universal’s Despicable Me 2 is this weekend’s box office champion.
The highly-anticipated sequel to the hit 2010 animated comedy proved to be a popular choice with moviegoers over the Fourth of July holiday. Quite a few people turned out to see the film in theaters, although the same cannot be said about its competition. More on that in a moment.
According to Deadline , Despicable Me 2 claimed the top spot at the box office with approximately $81 million in ticket sales. Since opening in theaters on Wednesday (July 3), the follow-up has amassed a whopping $140.5 million.
The numbers at Box Office Mojo suggest Despicable Me 2 is also a very big hit with audiences overseas. The foreign box office total currently stands at an amazing $151 million. A little math shows that Universal and Illumination Entertainment’s endeavor is close to hitting $200 million worldwide.
If there was any doubt that Kyle Balda and Pierre Coffin’s Minions was going to happen, then your fears should be laid to rest. Universal has a serious hit on their hands, and next year’s spin-off stands to make quite a bit of money for the studio when it finally lands in theaters.
Unfortunately for everyone associated with Disney’s much-maligned adaptation of The Lone Ranger , the movie hit theaters with a resounding thud. The studio hasn’t seen a flop like this since last year’s misfire John Carter . Heads could possibly roll at Disney over this one.
Ropes of Silicon reports that the Johnny Depp and Armie Hammer flick only managed to score around $29 million at the box office over the weekend. Since opening on July 3, the adventure has only generated a miserable $49 million. Considering the movie cost upwards of $200 million to produce, Disney has a very long way to go before this thing breaks even. It will be interesting to see how it performs overseas.
The Heat ($24 million), Monsters University ($19 million), and
1. Despicable Me 2 – $81 million 2. The Lone Ranger – $28.9 million 3. The Heat – $24.8 million 4. Monsters University – $19.1 million 5. World War Z – $17.8 million 6. White House Down – $13.5 million 7. Man Of Steel – $11.3 million 8. Kevin Hart: Let Me Explain – $10 million 9. This Is The End – $2 million 10. Now You See Me – $2.8 million
Did you catch Despicable Me 2 or The Lone Ranger in theaters this weekend? Are you surprised by the box office results?
[Top Image via Universal Pictures / Illumination Entertainment]
