Movie

Disney's live-action remake of its 1992 animated classic launches to an estimated $86.1 million in North America and has amassed $121 million internationally.

• May 27, 2019

AceShowbiz - Disney has once again conquered North American box office with "Aladdin". The musical fantasy film directed by Guy Ritchie topped the chart with an estimated $86.1 million over its first three days during Memorial Day weekend.

The live-action remake of Disney's 1992 animated classic surpassed the studio's projections, which were in the $75 million to $85 million range. Internationally, the movie has generated $121 million in 56 markets, bringing its current global total to $207.1 million.

"Aladdin" is expected to bring in a total of $105 million over the four-day holiday weekend, exceeding the $100 million expectation. It will be the sixth-highest Memorial Day weekend total ever, surpassing "The Hangover Part II" which topped the domestic chart with $103.4 million in 2011. "Pirates of the Caribbean: At Worlds End" (2007) still holds the No. 1 record with $139 million in first four days.

"Aladdin" received mixed reviews from critics, with an approval rating of 58% on Rotten Tomatoes. Audiences, however, begged to differ, giving it an average grade of "A" on CinemaScore. 39% of the moviegoers said their affection for the original was their primary reason for seeing the new take, with 67% of the total audience saying they would "definitely recommend" the film to their friends. Paul Dergarabedian, Comscore's senior media analyst, also noted, "A very strong 22% said they would see the film again in theatres - much higher than the norm of 14%."

Following at the next three spots are holdovers "John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum", "Avengers: Endgame" and "Pokemon Detective Pikachu". Last week's champion, the "John Wick" threequel, is down at No. 2 with an estimated $24.4 million. "Endgame", also from Disney, has added approximately $16.8 million to its domestic gross for a global total of $2.7 billion so far. "Pikachu" also falls one spot to No. 4 with approximately $13.3 million.

At No. 5 is newcomer "Brightburn", which debuts to an estimated $7.5 million in North America. The horror movie, which is produced by "Guardians of the Galaxy" director James Gunn, is predicted to finish the four-day weekend with $9 million. Another new release, Olivia Wilde's directorial debut "Booksmart", debuts slightly below "Brightburn" at No. 6 with approximately $6.5 million.

Top Ten Movies at Weekend Box Office for May 24-26:

1. "Aladdin" - $86.1 million
2. "John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum" - $24.4 million
3. "Avengers: Endgame" - $16.8 million
4. "Pokemon Detective Pikachu" - $13.3 million
5. "Brightburn" - $7.5 million
6. "Booksmart" - $6.5 million
7. "A Dog's Journey" - $4.1 million
8. "The Hustle" - $3.8 million
9. "The Intruder" - $2.3 million
10. "Long Shot" - $1.6 million