Its opening weekend total will not rival that of “District 9,” but “Elysium” will debut with a solid, first-place-finish at the box office.
The sci-fi actioner grossed $11.2 million Friday, which puts it on track for a bow in the $30 million territory and a near-certain box office victory. While solid by most criteria, such a total will not rival that grossed by “District 9,” which launched to $37.3 million in 2009, or “Oblivion,” which earned $37.0 million earlier this spring.
Reasonably close behind will be “We’re The Millers.” Pacing for a weekend in the mid-$20 millions, the film added $8.5 million to its running gross. With Wednesday and Thursday’s numbers included, “Millers” is $1000 shy of $20 million.
Animated film “Planes” claimed third Friday with $8.1 million, while “Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters” added $4.9 million to its take for fourth. Since opening earlier in the week, the newest “Jackson” film has earned a modest $13.8 million.
“2 Guns” earned $3.4 million for a fifth place finish on Friday.