Big Box Office Weekend Pushes ‘Titanic’ To No. 4
“Titanic” reached another high water mark over the weekend, replacing “Forrest Gump” as the No. 4 domestic moneymaker of all time while earning more than its next three competitors combined.
The disaster epic earned $23.2 million - the first weekend that it has taken in less than $25 million. But the total was nearly three times that of “The Replacement Killers,” which debuted in second place, according to industry estimates.
“Titanic” has grossed $337.5 million, surpassing $329.7 million for “Forrest Gump.” The film could receive another boost after Academy Award nominations are announced this morning, when it is expected to fare well.
“We have an idea where it might be the weekend after that - No. 3,” Paramount Studios spokesman Blaise Noto said Sunday.
The top moneymaker of all time is the first “Star Wars” movie with $461 million, followed by “E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial” with $399.8 million and No. 3 “Jurassic Park” with $357.1 million.
“The Replacement Killers,” starring Hong Kong action star Chow Yun-Fat and Academy Award-winning actress Mira Sorvino, took in $8.1 million.
The only other new film in wide release was “Blues Brothers 2000,” starring Dan Aykroyd and John Goodman in a sequel to the 1980 film. It made $6.5 million for fourth place.
“You always want to open No. 1,” said Alan Sutton, senior vice president of distribution and marketing at Universal Pictures. “But given the competitiveness of the marketplace, we’re very pleased that ‘Blues Brothers 2000’ was one of the weekend’s top films.”
Sutton said the movie’s rhythm-and-blues score was part of the appeal.
“People are really responding,” he said. “They’re stomping feet and popping fingers. We hope it will be infectious.”
“Good Will Hunting” performed well again, finishing third with $6.8 million. It has made $68.2 million in 10 weeks.
“It’s been between No. 2 and No. 3 since it’s gone wide. Word-of-mouth on the film is terrific,” said David Kaminow, senior vice president of marketing for Miramax Films. “We’re looking toward what it does for Oscar nominations.”
“Great Expectations” was No. 5 with $5.5 million. Ticket sales in its second weekend dropped 43 percent from its debut, which is considered about average.