Baseball biopic 42 has topped the US Box office earning $27.3m (£17.8m) in its opening weekend.The film, starring Chadwick Boseman and Harrison Ford, tells the life story of the first black major league baseball player, Jackie Robinson.
Scary Movie 5 came in at second place with $15.2m (£9.9m) and The Croods took third place for a second week.
Horror remake Evil Dead, which topped the US box office last week, dropped down to fifth place.
Tom Cruise’s new film Oblivion earned $61.1m (£39.8m) internationally following its launch in 52 countries.
The science fiction film, directed by Joseph Kosinski, will compete with 42 after its US release this Friday.
In its opening weekend, 42 set a box office record for a baseball film topping the $19.5m (£12.7m) debut of Brad Pitt’s Moneyball in 2011.
The momentum for the film may continue as Major League players mark the the 66th anniversary of Robinson’s professional debut by wearing his number, 42, on Monday.
“Think of what a tribute that is for what he accomplished. Every player wearing 42 on his back,”‘ said Dan Fellman, head of distribution for Warner Bros.
“It’s a story that has so much emotion to it. Jackie Robinson’s life had such an influence on our country,” he added.
(Source: Agencies)
