'How to Train Your Dragon' soars in box office debut with $83 million, beating 'Lilo and Stitch'
Share this @internewscast.com

LOS ANGELES (AP) — “How to Train Your Dragon” took flight at the box office this weekend, proving that some remakes still have teeth.

The live-action adaptation of the popular animated series had an impressive debut, bringing in $83 million at North American theaters, as estimated by Comscore on Sunday. This film, directed by Dean DeBlois, a familiar name to the franchise, tells the story of an unexpected bond between a young Viking named Hiccup (played by Mason Thames) and a dragon named Toothless.

This new version exceeded 2019’s “How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World,” which kicked off with $55 million. It also secured the top position, overtaking Disney’s “Lilo and Stitch.” After leading the box office for three weekends, “Lilo and Stitch” dropped to second place, earning an additional $15 million and bringing its total domestic earnings to over $386.3 million.

Also making an impression, “Materialists,” a contemporary romance film set in New York and featuring Dakota Johnson, Pedro Pascal, and Chris Evans, secured the third spot with a $12 million opening. In this romantic dramedy, Johnson portrays a smart matchmaker caught between two love interests: her ex, a struggling actor, and a seemingly perfect yet wealthy “unicorn.”

“Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning” slid to fourth place, taking in $10.3 million and avoiding a dip into single-digit territory.

The John Wick spinoff “Ballerina” fell to fifth place with $9.4 million, despite strong reviews from both critics and audiences. Directed by Len Wiseman, the action film stars Ana de Armas and features Keanu Reeves reprising his role in a supporting turn.

In sixth place, “Karate Kid: Legends” earned $5 million followed by “Final Destination: Bloodlines” at seventh with $3.9 million. Wes Anderson’s latest “The Phoenician Scheme” brought in $3 million eighth place. “The Life of Chuck,” based on a Stephen King story, placed ninth with $2.1 million.

Rounding out the top 10 was “Sinners.” The Ryan Coogler film starring Michael B. Jordan, drew $1.4 million.

Top 10 movies by domestic box office

With final domestic figures being released Monday, this list factors in the estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Comscore:

1. “How to Train Your Dragon,” $83.7 million

2. “Lilo and Stitch,” $15.5 million.

3. “Materialists,” $12 million.

4. “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning,” $10.3 million.

5. “From the World of John Wick: Ballerina,” $9.4 million.

6. “Karate Kid: Legends,” $5 million.

7. “Final Destination: Bloodlines,” $3.9 million.

8. “The Phoenician Scheme,” $3 million.

9. “The Life of Chuck,” $2.1 million.

10. “Sinners,” $1.4 million.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Charlotte, North Carolina immigration enforcement surge begins, officials say; agents seen making arrests in multiple locations

Immigration Crackdown Intensifies in Charlotte: Increased Enforcement Leads to Multiple Arrests Across the City

In Charlotte, North Carolina, a significant increase in immigration enforcement operations has…
OJ Simpson estate accepts Fred Goldman's $58M wrongful death claim nearly 30 years later: report

OJ Simpson’s Estate Settles $58M Wrongful Death Claim with Fred Goldman After Nearly 30 Years: Report

The estate of O.J. Simpson has moved closer to settling a nearly…
Chinese coast guard conducts patrol through disputed Senkaku Islands waters following Taiwan spat

Chinese Coast Guard Patrols Disputed Senkaku Islands Amid Rising Tensions with Taiwan

On Sunday, ships from the Chinese coast guard navigated the waters surrounding…
Longtime 'Grey's Anatomy' star diagnosed with prostate cancer

Beloved ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Actor’s Courageous Battle with Prostate Cancer Revealed

James Pickens Jr. is underscoring the critical role of regular screenings following…
Readers sound off on the shutdown deal, rescued green space and labor negotiations

Voices Heard: Public Reactions to Government Shutdown Deal, Revived Green Spaces, and Labor Talks

The Dems’ secret strategy to the shutdown deal In Pasadena, California, the…
'I'm worried': Durkeeville resident voices concerns amid Emerald Trail updates

Durkeeville Community Member Shares Concerns Over Emerald Trail Developments

On Saturday, residents from the neighborhoods of North Riverside to Durkeeville came…
Boat explosion on Hudson River leaves 1 dead in New York

Unbelievable Canine Mishap: Man Survives Unintentional Shooting by His Own Dog

A Pennsylvania man is on the mend after an unusual incident involving…
Report: More Than 70 % Palisades Fire Victims Still in Temporary Housing

Over 70% of Palisades Fire Survivors Struggle with Temporary Housing

According to a recent report, over 70% of individuals impacted by January’s…
Britain announces sweeping asylum policy shift to cut protections for refugees

UK Unveils Major Changes to Asylum Policies, Reducing Refugee Protections

Significant reforms are on the horizon for Great Britain’s asylum policies, signaling…
Florida man accused of opening fire after argument over chickens laying eggs

Florida Man Faces Charges After Heated Egg-Laying Dispute Leads to Gunfire

A heated altercation over chickens turned violent when gunfire erupted outside a…
Gurnee Woodland Elementary School teacher Todd Fowler charged with disseminating child pornography, Lake County Sheriff says

Katelyn Heiden Allegedly Captures Boyfriend Efin Nolte in Disturbing Act with Dog at Huntley Residence, Reports McHenry County State’s Attorney

HUNTLEY, Ill. (WLS) — A recent court hearing unveiled new information regarding…
Top Ukrainian officials in Zelenskyy government submit resignations amid $100 million corruption scandal

High-Ranking Officials in Zelenskyy Administration Resign Following $100 Million Corruption Allegations

In a significant shake-up within the Ukrainian government, two high-ranking officials have…