X-Men: The Last Stand evolved into a mega-hit earning $120.1 million for the four days beginning May 26, according to 20th Century Fox. The tally exceeded the studio's expectations and set a new record as the biggest Memorial Day holiday opener ever, the biggest debut so far this year, and the fourth-biggest weekend draw in box office history.
The three-day portion—from Friday to Sunday—of $103.1 million ranks as the fourth-highest of all time. On the all-time list, "X-Men: The Last Stand" ranks behind only "Spider-Man," "Star Wars: Episode III," and "Shrek 2" for opening weekend gross. "Spider-Man," another Marvel property, holds the record with $115 million.
In addition to taking over "The DaVinci Code" with the highest opening so far this year, the new "X-Men" beats the 9-year-old Memorial Day weekend record held by "The Lost World: Jurassic Park," which opened to $72 million during its first three days.
The new film, whose returning cast of super-powered mutants includes actors Patrick Stewart as the heroic Professor X and Ian McKellen as the evil Magneto, was helmed this time around by Brett Ratner.
While the film leaves the door open for a fourth installment, studios are focused on separate spin-offs involving Magneto and Wolverine played by Hugh Jackman. Scripts for both projects are being written, said Avi Arad, Chairman and CEO of Marvel Studios.
The film has met with critical acclaim, including this reviewer's mutant third thumb raised. Three thumbs up!
