Thor opens strong, but behind expectations

Disney-Marvel Studios’ THOR opened strong this past weekend, easily winning the weekend by drawing $66 million domestically in its opening bow. But that’s well behind what FAST FIVE did last weekend ($83.6 milllion) and slightly behind expectations. The film, which cost $150 million to make, is still expected to do well, however.

Overseas, THOR has been out for an additional week already and has grossed $176 million in foreign markets; that means the film’s combined worldwide gross is $242 million, well above the film’s budget. Everything it makes from here on out is gravy. FAST FIVE had a strong second weekend, adding $32.5 million to bring its domestic 10-day take to $139.8 million. With foreign box office added in, FAST FIVE has reached $324.6 million worldwide take so far.

Only two other films grossed more than $10 million on the weekend. In third place, surprising the expectations of some, was the urban rom-com, JUMPING THE BROOM, at $13.7 million. Close behind was the similarly-themed Kate Hudson vehicle, SOMETHING BORROWED, which grossed $13.1 million Out of those two, however, it’s JUMPING THE BROOM that did better because it drew box office at twice its budget on opening weekend, whereas SOMETHING BORROWED make back only one-third of its budget.

Next weekend brings the SNL-alumni chick-flick, BRIDESMAIDS, as well as the 3D action-horror movie, PRIEST, and that’s the weakest slate of openers the rest of May. Expect upsets, and not a few free dating online offers.