Box Office: 'Captain America' Narrowly Defeats 'Rio 2'
Although it started out the weekend with a clear lead and what appeared to be a sure-fire shot at the No. 1 spots, Rio 2 ultimately couldn't defeat Captain America: The Winter Soldier after all the box office receipts for the weekend were totaled.
The encouraging Friday turnout for Rio 2 was hampered by a disappointing Saturday turnout, as the animated sequel ultimately ended up grossing $39 million vs. Captain America 2's $41.4 million total. However, Rio 2 actually was the big winner overseas, taking the top spot globally with $62.3 million, narrowly toppling the $60.6 million haul for Captain America 2, although The Winter Soldier played in fewer territories. Just 54 markets vs. Rio 2's 62.
Credit: Marvel
So what are studio insiders citing as the culprit for Rio 2's decline from Friday to Saturday?
The weather, of course.
Reportedly, the good weather experienced in the Midwest and Northeast this weekend -- the first real burst of temperate weather after a harsh winter -- is being blamed for the injury to business on Saturday.
"It was a complete aberration," said Chris Aronson, Fox distribution chief. "And with spring break in full swing, and with no other animated film opening for another nine weeks, we are in fantastic shape."
The rest of the box office this week saw some unexpected successes and surprising disappointments: Oculus, the new thriller starring Doctor Who's Karen Gillan, took the No. 3 spot with $12 million, already earning back its modest $5 million budget and then some. It was enough to best Draft Day, Kevin Costner's latest attempt at a comeback, which earned a paltry $9.8 million. Meanwhile, hot off the news that the final movie in the franchise would be split in two, Divergent continued its strong run, rounding out the top five with a solid $7.5 million. This brings its current domestic gross to $124.9 million.
Check out the full Top 10 below:
1. Captain America: The Winter Soldier ($41.4 million)
2. Rio 2 ($39 million)
3. Oculus ($12 million)
4. Draft Day ($9.8 million)
5. Divergent ($7.5 million)
6. Noah ($7.45 million)
7. God's Not Dead ($4.5 million)
8. The Grand Budapest Hotel ($4.1 million)
9. Muppets Most Wanted ($2.2 million)
10. Mr. Peabody & Sherman ($1.8 million)