‘Lost in Space’ Discovers the Way to Top ‘Titanic’

Danger, James Cameron: Sensors show the Space Family Robinson descending on your No. 1 box office spot.

“Lost in Space,” the movie version of the campy 1960s television series, knocked the record-setting “Titanic” from its 15-week reign Sunday as the top film in North America, according to Exhibitor Relations Co. Inc.

Preliminary figures showed the film grossing $20.5 million in its opening weekend. “Titanic,” which recently won a record-tying 11 Oscars, including Cameron for director, was No. 2 with $11.6 million--a 24% drop in ticket sales from the previous week.

Al Shapiro, president of distribution for New Line Cinema, said the wide appeal of “Lost in Space” made it the ideal film to topple the shipwreck saga.

“It’s a family film that they can take their 7-, 8- and 9-year-olds to see and it appeals to the parent,” he said. “If we would have opened six weeks ago, ‘Titanic’ would not have lasted as long as it has. The special effects [of ‘Lost in Space’] are beyond compare and [audiences] are applauding at the end of the show.”

Computer-generated imagery plays a central role in the tale of a family of space pioneers who find themselves off-course thanks to a saboteur, played by Gary Oldman. The film includes an updated version of the robot who always warned his young friend of peril with a stern: “Danger, Will Robinson!”

“Mercury Rising,” a new film starring Bruce Willis, placed third with $10.8 million, followed by the reissue of “Grease,” which grossed $5.5 million.

“Primary Colors” dropped by 33% to fifth in its third week with $4.7 million. “Wild Things,” also in its third week, followed with $3.7 million.

“The Man in the Iron Mask,” with “Titanic” star Leonardo DiCaprio, was No. 7 with $3.5 million.

Oscar winners “As Good as It Gets” and “Good Will Hunting” placed eighth and ninth, respectively, with $3.4 million and $3.3 million in sales.

“The Newton Boys” rounded out the top 10 with $2.4 million. Final figures will be released today.