What Marvel’s latest big-screen comic book hero lacks in size, it makes up for in box office pull.
The Disney-owned studio’s new action-comedy Ant-Man led the Friday box office in the US after making an estimated $22.6 million (Dh83 million).
Starring Paul Rudd as the titular, shrinking hero, Marvel’s latest adaptation has been a bit of a gamble.
While the studio has launched numerous juggernaut franchises based on its beloved comics, Ant-Man is relatively unknown compared with titles such as X-Men, Iron Man, Captain America or The Avengers.
The film also had a bumpy launch, with the surprise exit of director Edgar Wright during pre-production (Peyton Reed replaced him).
Analysts originally projected the film would debut at $60 million to $65 million through Sunday, but Saturday estimates show the film coming in under $60 million.
Also off to a strong start is Trainwreck, Amy Schumer’s R-rated flick.
The Judd Apatow-directed raunchy rom-com, which marks the comedian-du-jour’s debut as a big-screen lead, took in $10.7 million.
Schumer, who also wrote the film’s screenplay, scored seven Emmy nominations for her Comedy Central hit Inside Amy Schumer.