Box Office: 'Dark Knight' slashes 'Mummy'

By Franck Tabouring

Weekend of August 1 – August 3, 2008

“The Dark Knight” managed to fend off “The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor” at the North American box office with a weekend gross of $43.8 million, according to studio estimates Sunday.

“Tomb of the Dragon Emperor” debuted in second place with $42.4 million, which is a little less than the $43.3 million opening weekend gross of “The Mummy” in 1999. Directed by Rob Cohen, the third installment in the franchise follows Brendan Fraser on his quest to take down China’s ruthless Han Emperor (played by Jet Li).

Meanwhile, Christopher Nolan’s “The Dark Knight” continued its reign over the box office, lifting its domestic total to an impressive $394.8 million after only three weeks in release. Starring Christian Bale, the film follows Batman’s struggled to protect Gotham City from the madness of the Joker (Heath Ledger).  

Sony’s “Step Brothers” slipped to No. 3 this weekend, collecting $16.3 million and brining its total haul to $62.9 million after a two-week run. Directed by Adam McKay and produced by Judd Apatow, the film stars Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly as two spoiled men who become competitive stepbrothers after their single parents decide to get married.

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‘The Dark Knight’ still rules overseas box office

“The Dark Knight” is the king of the world! Christopher Nolan’s popular follow-up to “Batman Begins” topped the international box office this weekend with a stunning $65.6 million in 51 territories, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

While Batman lifted its domestic gross to $314.2 million this weekend, its overseas total currently stands at $126.3 million. That’s a worldwide cumulative of $440.5 million after only two weeks in release.

At No. 2, Will Smith’s action spectacle “Hancock” collected $19.2 million in 71 markets, reaching a total international haul of $294.6 million. Following closely in third place was “Kung Fu Panda” with $17.8 million in 59 markets.

Meanwhile, Universal’s “Mamma Mia!” took home $17.5 million and brought its overseas total to $111.7 million. Opening in only 22 markets, Chris Carter’s “The X-Files: I Want to Believe” earned $9.3 million.
 
Other results from the international box office: “WALL-E” scored $8.9 million ($70.1 million total), “Journey to the Center of the Earth” earned $6.7 million, and “Wanted” snatched $6.2 million.