Third ‘Scream’ in the Series Makes the Biggest Noise Yet

“Scream 3” roared into North American movie theaters over the weekend, scaring up an estimated $35.2 million in ticket sales and setting a new record for the slasher franchise.

According to studio estimates issued Sunday, “Scream 3” also earned more than the combined total of every other film in the top 10. Its three-day haul sets a new record for its Walt Disney Co.-owned distributor, Miramax Films, and is the highest February opener for any studio.

“This is beyond our expectations for sure,” Miramax co-chairman Bob Weinstein said, noting that the first two “Scream” movies had December openings, when overall business is much stronger.

“The Hurricane” (Universal) was second this weekend with $4.9 million, followed by “Stuart Little” (Columbia) with $4.8 million and “Next Friday” (New Line) with $4.3 million. Last weekend’s No. 1, “Eye of the Beholder” (Destination), grossed $4 million, tying at No. 5 with “The Green Mile” (Warner Bros.). Final data will be issued today.

Supposedly the last entry in the self-referential comedy-slasher franchise, “Scream 3” attracted its core young audience, but also expanded its reach to slightly older moviegoers, Weinstein said. He attributed this in part to the fact that it is funnier than the first two.

“Scream 2” opened to $32.9 million in December 1997, and went on to make $101 million domestically. The original “Scream” opened to $6.4 million in December 1996, and ended up with $103 million.

“Scream 3” also enjoyed the highest average in the top 10, earning $10,153 from a huge 3,467 theaters. By contrast, “The Hurricane” played at 2,148 sites.

The overall box office was higher, recovering from its Super Bowl-induced slump last week.

According to Exhibitor Relations, which collects the studios’ estimates, the top 12 films this weekend grossed $72.4 million, up 65% from last weekend.