Sci-Fi Epic Tops $200 Million in Opening Weekend

Los Angeles. A big-budget science-fiction epic opened to more than $200 million worldwide this weekend, the biggest box-office debut of the year so far and a strong signal that audiences are returning to theaters for event films.

The film, which cost a reported $250 million to produce, earned the bulk of its opening from North America and China, with premium-format screens accounting for an outsized share of ticket sales. Critics praised its visuals, while audience scores were even stronger.

Studios will be watching next weekend closely: a steep drop is normal for big openings, but strong word of mouth could keep the film at the top of the chart for weeks.