David Germain, Associated Press, Los Angeles | Entertainment | Mon, June 11 2012, 7:54 AM
Circus animals and space beasts have lifted Hollywood to a huge weekend.
The cuddly critters of "Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted" led the weekend with a $60.4 million debut domestically, followed by a big opening for Ridley Scott's alien saga "Prometheus" at No. 2 with $50 million, according to studio estimates Sunday.
DreamWorks Animation's "Madagascar 3" was the family favorite for the weekend, reuniting voice stars Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, Jada Pinkett Smith and David Schwimmer as the zoo animals continue their travels by joining a circus.
"Madagascar 3" also took in $75.5 million internationally for a worldwide debut of $135.9 million.
"Prometheus," from 20th Century Fox, stars Noomi Rapace, Michael Fassbender and Charlize Theron in an offshoot of director's Scott's 1979 science-fiction horror tale "Alien." ''Prometheus" did big business despite an R rating, which can limit a movie's audience since fans under 17 must see it with an adult.
The movie added $39.2 million overseas, bringing its international total to $91.5 million and its worldwide take to $141.5 million since it began rolling out in some markets a week earlier.
Estimated weekend ticket sales at international theaters (excluding the U.S. and Canada) for films distributed overseas by Hollywood studios, according to Rentrak:
1. "Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted," $75.5 million.
2. "Prometheus," $39.2 million.
3. "Men in Black 3," $38.3 million.
4. "Snow White & the Huntsman," $24.6 million.
5. "The Avengers," $7.8 million.
6. "The Dictator," $4.9 million.
7. "Dark Shadows," $4.6 million.
8. "Royal Concubine," $4 million.
9. "What to Expect When You're Expecting," $2.5 million.
10. "All About My Wife," $2.3 million.
