The Hunger Games: Catching Fire rocks US box office to win fourth biggest debut
The blockbuster sequel took $161 million in its first week of release
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Hunger Games sequel Catching Fire took $161 million (£99.2 million) this weekend to become the fourth biggest debut ever at the US box office.
The blockbuster sequel, starring Oscar-winner Jennifer Lawrence, failed to beat Iron Man 3's opening sales of $147 million, but broke The Twilight Saga: New Moon's record to achieve the most successful November opening to date.
Only The Avengers, Iron Man 3 and Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows: Part II have beaten The Hunger Games: Catching Fire in opening takings at the US box office.
The first film from Suzanne Collins' Hunger Games franchise took $152 million in its opening weekend last year, but Catching Fire enjoyed a bigger budget and is said to appeal to a wider audience.
The film, which also stars Liam Hemsworth and Josh Hutcherson, follows the lives of young people who must fight each other to the death on a television show run by cruel rulers.
Marvel's Thor: The Dark World was the film's closest rival at the box office this weekend, taking $14.1 million in its fourth week of release, while The Best Man Holiday debuted at $12.5 million.
Disney comedy Delivery Man, the chart's only other new entry, came in fourth place with box office takings of $8.2 million.
The uplifting film stars Vince Vaughn as a sperm donor on a mission to get to know his 533 children.
Back in the UK, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire took £12 million during its opening weekend, after 'midnight screenings' last Wednesday brought in £300,000 from 275 cinemas.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments