Walt Disney Co.’s “Ralph Breaks the Internet” beat a wave of new releases over the extended Thanksgiving weekend, as the fresh slate of new films drew more Americans to theaters than last year. The industry’s five-day total in the U.S. and Canada reached a record $314 million, Comscore Inc. estimated in an email Sunday.
The animated sequel, the second release from Disney this month, generated $55.7 million in theaters in the U.S and Canada. The film had been forecast by Box Office Mojo to earn $50 million over three days and $71.8 million for the five-day holiday. Instead, “Ralph” racked up an estimated $84.5 million.
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The three-day results topped the $49 million debut of the original “Wreck-It Ralph,” despite six years between the films. The first took in $471 million globally in 2012, helping to revive Disney’s flagship animation business after years of being overshadowed by Pixar. The new movie had strong reviews, with 87 percent of critics recommending it. Early indications Wednesday had been that the film could beat the five-day Thanksgiving record for an opening set by “Frozen” of $93.5 million, according to Box Office Mojo. “Creed II,” a “Rocky” sequel from Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer with Michael B. Jordan and Sylvester Stallone, placed second with $35.3 million, topping a three-day forecast of $33.5 million. Lionsgate’s “Robin Hood” deputed in seventh place with $9.13 million for three days.