Universal’s Us came out on top of the box office this weekend with a $70.3 opener, rocketing past analysts’ expectations of $35 million to $45 million.
The Jordan Peele-helmed film, which stars Lupita Nyong’o and Winston Duke, also broke records for an opening horror film, surpassing A Quiet Place and is the second-best opener this year behind Captain Marvel ($153 million).
Seeing as the budget was $20 million, this is a major coup, observers say. “Put simply, Jordan Peele is a genius,” said Jim Orr, Universal’s president of domestic distribution. “He’s managed to tap into something that the domestic box office can’t get enough of. People can’t wait to see what he does next.”
Top 10 at the B.O.:
1. Us, $70.3 million ($16.7 million international).
2. Captain Marvel, $35 million.
3. Wonder Park, $9 million.
4. Five Feet Apart, $8.8 million.
5. How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World, $6.5 million.
6. A Madea Family Funeral, $4.5 million.
7. Gloria Bell, $1.8 million.
8. No Manches Frida, $1.8 million.
9. Lego Movie 2: The Second Part, $1.1 million.
10. Alita: Battle Angel, $1 million.
