By delivering the largest opening day gross of 2014, “Transformers: Age of Extinction” positions itself for a weekend tally in excess of $100 million.
The new “Transformers” offering, which stars Mark Wahlberg, Nicola Peltz, Jack Reynor, earned $41.6 million in its debut Friday. More than the $38.4 million earned by 2014’s single-day champ “Godzilla,” it is also the largest opening Friday haul for a “Transformers” film.
2011’s “Transformers: Dark of the Moon,” which opened on a Wednesday, delivered $33.0 million on its first Friday of release. After scoring a franchise-best $62.0 million in its opening Wednesday, 2009’s “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen” settled for $36.7 million on its first Friday.
After opening on a Tuesday, 2007’s “Transformers” posted $22.7 million in receipts from its inaugural Friday.
With no other major release entering the fray against “Transformers,” comedy hit “22 Jump Street” claimed second place with $5.0 million Friday. “How to Train Your Dragon 2” landed third with $4.1 million.
“Think Like a Man Too” ($3.4 million) and “Maleficent” ($2.6 million) rounded out the top five.