Birds Of Prey underwhelms with $46m North American opening
LOS ANGELES : Birds Of Prey flew much lower than expected in its debut, collecting just US$33.3 million (S$46 million) at the North American box office.
The spin-off sequel to 2016's Suicide Squad - seeing Margot Robbie reprise her role as Harley Quinn - now holds the ignominious distinction as the worst opening from any film in the DC Extended Universe.
That is somewhat of a surprise, since reviews for Birds Of Prey were much stronger than its predecessor, which debuted with US$133 million.
However, Suicide Squad was rated PG13 and boasted higher-profile comic book characters like the Joker.
Birds Of Prey, which cost US$80 million, was not expected to reach those figures since it is rated R and stars mostly unknown anti-heroes, but it was on course to make around US$50 million heading into the weekend.
The film also opened overseas, generating US$48 million from 78 international markets.
But in parts of South-east Asia, fears of coronavirus are impacting movie-going.
After three weeks as reigning champ, Bad Boys For Life dropped to second place with US$12 million.
The third film in the Bad Boys series, starring Will Smith and Martin Lawrence, has made an impressive US$166 million to date. - REUTERS
Get The New Paper on your phone with the free TNP app. Download from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store now
