Box Office: “Noah” Sets Sails With $1.6 Million Thursday Opening

This past Thursday the Biblical drama Noah, inspired by the Genesis story, pulled in $1.6 million in box office sales in the United States and Canada. The film, directed by Darren Aronofsky, is starring Russell Crow, Jennifer Connelly, Emma Watson, and Anthony Hopkins.

It is expected that Noah will be no.1 after this weekend, surpassing Divergent after their successful opening last weekend. The film will surely draw in audiences from all ages, but especially for faith-based audiences who are curious to see how the story of the Old Testament will be told. The film may have caused some controversy for its lack of Biblical accuracy, however it is only an inspired adaptation of the story directed by Aronofsky, who is best known for his dark dramas Requiem for a Dream and Black Swan. Paramount Pictures predicts the film will take in $30 million this weekend, but it is likely to rake in much more.

Noah was not the first religious inspired film to be released this year. Son of God, produced by Mark Burnett and Roma Downey, hit theaters this past February and was supported by churches and religious organizations nationwide. Later this year, Exodus will be making its way to the box office, starring Christian Bale playing the role of Moses. The film is set to arrive in theatres December 12.

Noah is rated PG-13 and is out now in theaters and Imax.