Joker Doesn't Scare Away Audiences

'Abominable' finishes a distant second for weekend
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Oct 6, 2019 10:55 AM CDT
Joker Opening Sets Record for October
This image released by Warner Bros. Pictures shows Joaquin Phoenix in a scene from the film, "Joker."   (Niko Tavernise/Warner Bros. Pictures via AP)

Warner Bros.' R-rated Joker has set a new record at the October box office. Studios on Sunday estimate that the dark spin on the classic Batman villain earned an estimated $93.5 million from ticket sales in its first weekend in North American theaters. The previous October record-holder was the Spider-Man spinoff Venom, which opened to $80 million last year.

Scrutiny over Joker's violent themes resulted in multiple theater chains banning costumes and authorities in numerous cities stepping up police patrols around theaters, but security concerns did not seem to detract audiences. Starring Joaquin Phoenix in the titular role, Joker surpassed industry and studio expectations as well as its $55 million production budget. The more family-friendly Abominable landed in second with $12 million. Downton Abbey took third with $8 million.

(More box office stories.)

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