‘Exodus’ topples ‘Hunger Games’ at US box office

By: 9 years ago

This image released by 20th Century Fox shows Joel Edgerton, left, and Dar Salim in a scene from “Exodus: Gods and Kings.” AP

LOS ANGELES – Biblical epic “Exodus: Gods and Kings” bumped “Hunger Games” from the top of the North American box office, ending its three-week dominance, according to industry estimates Sunday.

Starring Christian Bale as Moses rising up against the Egyptian Pharaoh Ramses, “Exodus” raked in $24.5 million in its debut weekend, according to box office tracker Exhibitor Relations.

But moviegoers still flocked to see “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1,” in which Katniss Everdeen leads a rebellion against a future dystopian society. The film grossed $13.2 million for the number two spot.

The latest release of the wildly popular series so far has earned a total of $277.4 million in its four-week run in theaters.

The animated adventure comedy “Penguins of Madagascar” slid into third place from its number two post last week, with $7.3 million tallied over the weekend.

Not far behind was “Top Five,” directed, written and starring Chris Rock playing a comedian trying to become a serious actor while grappling with his reality TV star fiancee about broadcasting their wedding.

The funnyman’s film took in $7.2 million in its fourth place weekend debut weekend.

Disney’s animated robot flick “Big Hero 6” raked in $6.1 million for the fifth spot, after a six-week run in theaters.

Christopher Nolan’s space odyssey “Interstellar,” starring Matthew McConaughey and Anne Hathaway was in sixth, hauling $5.5 million.

Seventh was “Horrible Bosses 2,” the sequel to a 2011 workplace comedy starring Jennifer Aniston, bringing in $4.6 million.

Screwball comedy sequel “Dumb and Dumber To” starring Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels on a hijinx-filled road trip fetched $2.8 million to claim eighth place.

“The Theory of Everything,” about the life of famed physicist Stephen Hawking was ninth, earning $2.5 million.

At the bottom of the top 10 was “Wild,” starring Reese Witherspoon grappling with personal demons on a grueling three-month solo hike, which took in $1.6 million.