Paramount Pictures’ latest faith-centric film “Noah” sailed to the top of the box office over the weekend, dropping last week’s topper Lions Gate’s sci-fi adventure film “Divergent” into second place. Surviving a storm of criticism prior to its release, the bible-based picture managed to open with $44 million in the U.S. and Canada.
The movie, directed by Darren Aronofsky and starring Russell Crowe as a man chosen by God to undertake a momentous mission of rescue before an apocalyptic flood destroys the world, also sailed smoothly in 22 international markets, such as Russia and Australia, earning a whopping $33.6 million abroad.
“It certainly feels like the film has really connected with both mainstream moviegoers who are looking for a really sophisticated film and those folks who really want to see a movie that honors their faith,” said Paramount Vice Chairman Rob Moore of the film’s instant success. “It’s been a very interesting journey to get to this point, but it’s definitely a spectacular launch.”
Lions Gate’s teen science-fiction thriller “Divergent,” starring Shailene Woodley, settled in second place, collecting an estimated $26.5 million in its second weekend for a two-week total of $95.3 million, while Disney’s “Muppets Most Wanted,” starring Ty Burrell and Tina Fey with Jim Henson’s furry puppets, took third place, earning $11.4 million in its second weekend for a two-week total of $33.2 million.
The weekend’s other new release Open Road Films’ “Sabotage,” starring former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger as a federal agent, grossed $5.3 million and landed low in seventh place.
- “Noah,” $44 million.
- “Divergent,” $26.5 million.
- “Muppets Most Wanted,” $11.4 million.
- “Mr. Peabody and Sherman,” $9.5 million.
- “God’s Not Dead,” $9 million.
- “The Grand Budapest Hotel,” $8.9 million.
- “Sabotage,” $5.3 million.
- “Need for Speed,” $4.3 million.
- “300: Rise of an Empire,” $4.3 million.
- “Non-Stop,” $4.1 million.
