Kung Fu Panda 3 clobbers competition

DreamWorks' animated sequel “Kung Fu Panda 3” is vanquishing its competition at the domestic box office this weekend, outstripping other new releases including “The Finest Hours” and “Fifty Shades of Black” with ease, according to studio estimates.

The Jack Black starrer took in $10 million on Friday, forecasting a three-day total of $40 million from 3,955 locations. Friday estimates had suggested the pic would gross as much as $45 million in its debut.

Po the Panda isn't the only hero at the multiplex. Disney's “The Finest Hours,” which follows the courageous Coast Guard rescue mission of 1952, generated $3.3 million on Friday, portending a weekend haul of $9.5 million. The Chris Pine starrer unspools in 3,143 locations.

Holdovers “The Revenant” and “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” continue to do big business, this weekend coming in at No. 2 and No. 3 behind “Panda.” 

Source: Variety