'Thor' Hammers Competition, Rakes in $66 Million
Kicking off the summer movie season, 3-D actioner "Thor" walloped its competition at the box office, generating $66 million in its opening weekend.
The Marvel comic from Paramount Studios stars Australian actor, Chris Hemsworth, as the God of Thunder, who is sent from from Asgard to Earth as punishment, and where he becomes the world's greatest superhero.
The film was directed by Kenneth Branagh and features a supporting cast that includes Anthony Hopkins, Natalie Portman and Rene Russo.
"Thor" exceeded studio expectations - around $55 million - and was the third-highest opening for a Marvel franchise film, trailing "Spider-Man's" $115 million in 2002, and "Iron Man's" $98.6 million in 2008, according to CNBC.
By comparison, here are the five highest recent opening weekend box office tallies.
1. "Thor," $66 million
2. "Fast Five," $32.5 million
3. "Jumping the Broom," $13.7 million
4. "Something Borrowed," $13.2 million
5. "Rio," $8.2 million
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