Star Trek Into Darkness doesn’t go boldly where Star Trek has gone before.
Easily taking the top spot for the weekend was J.J. Abrams’ Star Trek Into Darkness with $70.6 million for the three-day frame and $84.1 million when you add in Wednesday night and Thursday. That’s slightly less than 2009’s Star Trek, which grossed $75.2 million for the weekend and $86.7 million through its first four-and-a-half days.
So is Star Trek Into Darkness – a fitting, pleasing sequel to Star Trek – a “disappointment?” Based on the numbers, yes, especially when you consider Paramount publicly predicted a $100 million weekend, which was possible considering the film played in IMAX and in 3D. But you also have to consider that Iron Man 3 and The Great Gatsby are also currently playing in theaters and did well again this weekend.
Iron Man 3 continued its strong run with another $35.2 million to bring its 17-day total to almost $340 million. It also surpassed the $1 billion mark when you add-in its worldwide total. The Great Gatsby grabbed another $23.4 million to bring its total to $90 million.
Rounding out the top five for the weekend were Michael Bay’s Pain & Gain, which grossed $3.1 million for a total of $46.6 million and The Croods, which in its ninth weekend picked up $2.75 million to bring its total to $176.8 million.
Star Trek Into Darkness may be the No. 1 film at the box office for the weekend but don’t expect to stay there. Fast & Furious 6 opens this weekend and should beat it – especially considering the rave reviews it’s already getting. Expect the latest installment in the series to at least gross $80 million.