Schwarzenegger Movie: Delayed but Not Denied

“Collateral Damage” led the weekend with $15.1 million, but Arnold Schwarzenegger still is seeking to recapture the box-office punch of “Terminator 2” and “True Lies,” which made him a star.

Warner Bros. took a risk when it delayed release of the terrorism-themed action film last year, after the Sept. 11 attacks.

“Considering the topical nature of the subject matter, I think Warner Bros. made the right decision,” said Paul Dergarabedian, president of box office tracking firm Exhibitor Relations Co. “Had the film not gone to No. 1, it would have been a major disappointment.”

Coming in second was “Big Fat Liar,” which grossed $11.6 million; “Rollerball” battled poor reviews and other negative press to debut in third place with $9 million.

Robert W. Welkos

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Weekend Box Office

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