Universal Pictures 'The Incredible Hulk,' starring Edward Norton as the title character, took in $54.5 million this weekend, topping the box office, according to estimates by Exhibitor Relations.The film accounted for almost a third of all weekend ticket sales, and it's debut exceeded that of other recent superhero movies, including Batman Begins ($48.7 million, Superman Returns ($52.5 million) and Ghost Rider ($45.4 million).
"There were a lot of naysayers out there when we said we were doing this," said Nikki Rocco, Universal's president of domestic distribution. "'The [Incredible] Hulk' smashed those naysayers."
Last week's No. 1, the animated 'Kung Fu Panda,' took in $34.3 million in its second weekend, landing in second place in the weekend box office.
M. Night Shymalan's horror/thriller 'The Happening' was third, opening with $30.5 million. It marked a substantial improvement for the director, whose latest film, 2006's 'Lady in the Water,' bombed with critics and audiences.
Here is the complete Top 10, courtesy of estimates from Exhibitor Relations:
1. The Incredible Hulk, $54.5 million
2. Kung Fu Panda, $34.3 million
3. The Happening, $30.5 million
4. You Don't Mess With the Zohan, $16.4 million
5. Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, $13.5 million
6. Sex and the City, $10.2 million
7. Iron Man, $5.1 million
8. The Strangers, $4.1 million
9. The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian, $3 million
10. What Happens in Vegas, $1.7 million
