The ComingSoon.net Box Office Report has been updated with studio estimates for the weekend. Click here for the full box office estimates of the top 12 films and then check back on Tuesday for the final figures based on actual box office.
Despite opening to a “disappointing” $70.8 million last weekend, DreamWorks Animation’s Shrek Forever After held on strong its second weekend, earning an estimated $55.7 million in first place over the four-day Memorial Day weekend box office to top the two new wide releases. The fourth and final installment of the franchise was made for about $165 million and has earned $145.8 million domestically in 11 days.
If estimates hold, Walt Disney Pictures video game adaptation Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time edged out Sex and the City 2 over the holiday frame with $37.8 million from 3,646 theaters. Directed by Mike Newell and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, the fantasy action adventure averaged $10,368 per theater. The film, starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Ben Kingsley, Gemma Arterton, Alfred Molina and Toby Kebbell, cost about $200 million to make. Internationally, “Prince of Persia” added $59 million over the Friday-to-Sunday period to bring its overseas total to $87.5 million.
New Line/Warner Bros.’ Sex and the City 2 took third place for the four days with an estimated $37.1 million from 3,445 theaters, an average of $10,782 per site. The $100 million sequel has earned $51.4 million since opening on Thursday. The original Sex and the City earned $57 million in its first three days in May 2008. Overseas, the film opened with $27.6 million over the Friday-to-Sunday frame. Written and directed by Michael Patrick King, Sex and the City 2 stars Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall, Kristin Davis and Cynthia Nixon.
Because of the performances of the newcomers, this Memorial Day Weekend marks the first time that the top movie hasn’t made at least $60 million over the four days since Godzillaopened with $55.7 million in 1998.
In fourth place, Paramount and Marvel Studios’ Iron Man 2 added another $20.6 million for the four days. The Jon Favreau-directed sequel has reached $279.2 million domestically in four weeks.
Universal’s Robin Hood rounded out the top five with $13.6 million. The Ridley Scott-directed film has earned $86.3 million after three weeks.
Sixth place belonged to Summit’s Letters of Juliet, which took in $7.3 million its third weekend for a total of $37.95 million.
In limited release, Jean-Pierre Jeunet’s Micmacs earned $56,700 from four theaters while Alejandro Amenabar’s Agora made $43,200 from just two theaters.
Click here for the full box office results of the top 12 films.
