42 movie tops US Box office with $27.3 million in its opening weekend

Baseball movie 42 has topped the US Box office earning $27.3 million in its opening weekend.

The biopic film, starring Chadwick Boseman and Harrison Ford, tells the life story of the first black major league baseball player, Jackie Robinson.

Scary Movie 5 came in at second place with $15.2 million and The Croods took third place for a second week.

Horror remake Evil Dead, which topped the US box office last week, dropped down to fifth place.

Tom Cruise’s new film Oblivion earned $61.1 million internationally following its launch in 52 countries.

The sci-fi movie, directed by Joseph Kosinski, will compete with 42 after its US release this Friday.

In its opening weekend, 42 set a box office record for a baseball film topping the $19.5 million debut of Brad Pitt’s Moneyball in 2011.

The momentum for the film may continue as Major League players mark the 66th anniversary of Jackie Robinson’s professional debut by wearing his number, 42, on Monday.

“Think of what a tribute that is for what he accomplished. Every player wearing 42 on his back,”‘ said Dan Fellman, head of distribution for Warner Bros.

“It’s a story that has so much emotion to it. Jackie Robinson’s life had such an influence on our country,” he added.

North American Box Office Top 5:

1. 42 – $27.3 million.

2. Scary Movie 5 – $15.2 million

3. The Croods – $13.2 million

4. G.I. Joe: Retaliation – $10.8 million

5. Evil Dead – $9.5 million