Star Trek: Into Darkness, J.J. Abrams sci-fi sequel, soared above Iron Man 3 to take the top spot at this weekend’s box office, with $70.6 million in earnings.
Though the film managed to rake in an impressive haul, it fell short of the expected $90 million projection despite being reinforced with several showings at IMAX 3-D theaters. Abrams’ first Star Trek movie opened in early May of 2009 with an impressive $75.2 million on its first weekend without the benefit of 3-D surcharges.
On the other hand, the Star Trek sequel did demote Ironman 3 to second place with $35.2 million. But Robert Downy Jr’s super-hero has nothing to worry about since its three week reign ended with over a billion in worldwide earnings.
Coming in third place is Baz Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby with a $23.4 million weekend, bringing its domestic total to an estimated $90.2 million. Leonardo DiCaprio helped the Australian director prove other kinds of movies can compete and succeed in the age of comic book films.
Meanwhile, Pain & Gain and The Croods followed in the fourth and fifth spots with $3.1 million and $2.8 million respectively.
Check below for the complete list of this weekend’s top movies as compiled by Box Office Mojo:
1. Star Trek Into Darkness, $70.6 million
2. Iron Man 3, $35.2 million
3. The Great Gatsby, $23.4 million
4. Michael Bay’s Pain & Gain, $3.1 million
5. The Croods, $2.8 million
6. 42, $2.7 million
7. Oblivion, $2.2 million
8. Mud, $2.2 million
9. Tyler Perry Presents Peeples, $2.2 million
