LOS ANGELES: In its fourth weekend in theaters, Warner Bros.’ “Joker” returned to the top of the US box office charts, narrowly defeating Disney’s “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil.”
The two villains had been in a close race for first place, but Sunday estimates show “Joker” will walk away victorious with $18.9 million in ticket sales.
Those rankings could change Monday morning after final tallies are reported since “Maleficent 2” is close behind with $18.5 million.
The surprise (and non-consecutive) win highlights the impressive endurance of “Joker,” which is only the third movie this year — following Universal’s “Glass” and Disney’s “Avengers: Endgame” — to secure in first place during three weekends.
“Joker” recently became the most successful R-rated movie in history, collecting $849 million worldwide.
Joaquin Phoenix’s gritty take on Batman’s infamous nemesis has generated $277 million in North America and $571 million at the international box office.
After Joker, coming in at No. 2 is Maleficent: Mistress of Evil with $18.5 million, followed by The Addams Family at No. 3 with $11.7 million, Zombieland: Double Tap at No. 4 with $11.6 million and Countdown at No. 5 with $9 million.
