Superhero Times: a service of Action Online
The Caped Crusader led the charge at the North American box office as "Batman Begins" sold an estimated $46.9 million worth of tickets in its first weekend, reigniting a lucrative superhero franchise that burned out eight years ago.
According to studio estimates issued on Sunday, the Warner Bros. Pictures release has earned $71.1 million across the United States and Canada since opening on Wednesday. The figures were within expectations, said Dan Fellman, president of distribution at the Time Warner Inc. -owned studio.
"Batman Begins" also earned an estimated $41.7 million from 73 international markets, led by Britain with $7.8 million and France with $3 million, both in three days, while Mexico contributed $4.2 million in five days.
"Batman Begins," which cost $150 million to make, stars Welsh-born actor Christian Bale ("American Psycho") as Gotham City billionaire Bruce Wayne and his alter ego, Batman. It was directed by Christopher Nolan, the English filmmaker behind edgy thrillers like "Memento" and "Insomnia." His dark interpretation of the Batman story thrilled comic-book fans, and generally pleased critics.
The five-day haul was the best start among the five films in the "Batman" franchise, Warner Bros. said. The record of $66 million was held by the third film, 1995's "Batman Forever," which starred Val Kilmer. The franchise folded in 1997 with the next film, "Batman & Robin," starring George Clooney in a batsuit with nipples. Director Joel Schumacher's campy effort bowed to $52 million for the first five days.
