‘Spider-Man 2’ debut sets box office record

“Spider-Man 2” took in $40.5 million in its first day, a record debut that positions the film to beat more box-office highs through the Fourth of July weekend.

Paul Dergarabedian, president of box-office tracker Exhibitor Relations, said “Spider-Man 2” could go on to shatter other debut records, including the best three-day weekend of $114.8 million for the original “Spider-Man.”

“Spider-Man 2” ticket sales Wednesday surpassed the previous debut record of $39.4 million that “Spider-Man” grossed in its first day two years ago, on a Friday.

The best previous debut for a movie opening on Wednesday was $34.5 million last December for “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.”