While Disney’s “Iron Man 3” is rolling out with strong numbers abroad before its May 3 Stateside bow, American auds are showing an appetite for action with Paramount’s newest Michael Bay-helmed film “Pain and Gain” earning $7.5 million at the domestic box office on Friday.
“Pain and Gain,” based on a Miami New Times article of the same name, is looking at a three-day haul of around $20 million. Pic cost Paramount $26 million to make, so the numbers for the Friday bow suggest a strong start.
The most recent tally had “Iron Man 3” amassing $36.5 million of international coin through Thursday, with a full five-day report (it opened Wednesday in 12 of its 46 launch territories) expected Sunday morning. The benchmark is set by the overseas bow of “The Avengers,” which earned $185 million in 39 markets last year.
Paramount is holding “Pain and Gain’s” overseas debut for August.
Domestically, Universal’s sci-fi holdover “Oblivion” took second place on Friday with $5.2 million, and Warner Bros.’ biopic “42” landed in third with $3 million. The films have cumed $52.4 million and $61.3 million, respectively.
Lionsgate’s “The Big Wedding” opened to $2.5 million Friday. Pre-weekend estimates that had the R-rated laffer earning north of $10 million have been adjusted downward to a three-day take of around $7.5 million.
