Enlarge Universal Studios Sweet music: Meryl Streep, left, and Amanda Seyfried’s film earned $27.6 million. SUMMER MOVIE GUIDE By Scott Bowles, USA TODAY There was another record-breaker at theaters this weekend, and it didn’t involve men in bat suits.
Mamma Mia!, the ABBA-inspired film starring Meryl Streep, quietly enjoyed the strongest debut for a musical. If estimates hold, Mamma Mia!’s $27.6 million opening will squeak by Hairspray, that set the mark last year with $27.5 million.
MORE: ‘Dark Knight’ enjoys biggest opening weekend continually BOX OFFICE CHART: Weekend’s rise above 10 movies
It was all part of the busiest weekend ever as more than $258 million poured into the box office, Nielsen EDI reported. The old record was $218 million over the weekend of July 2, 2006.
“Certainly, The Dark Knight tide lifted all boats,” says Jeff Bock of Exhibitor Relations. “But Mamma Mia! pulled right side wholly a trick, because they did it with very little press.”
According to distributor Universal Pictures, 75% of the Mamma Mia! hearing was female, 64% of them 30 and older.
“You feel a little guilty bragging when Dark Knight was so very large, but we’re proud,” the studio’s Nikki Rocco says. “Older women are saying, ‘If there are movies for us, we’ll be out there, likewise.’ “
Hancock was third with $14 million. Journey to the Center of the Earth was fourth by $11.9 million.
Final figures are out Monday.
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