91ƵThor: Ragnarok91Ƶ thundered to one of the year91Ƶs best box-office debuts, opening with an estimated $121 million in North American theatres.
The robust debut for the third 91ƵThor91Ƶ movie was a welcome shot in the arm for Hollywood and theatre owners who have just suffered through a terrible October at the box office.
91ƵThor: Ragnarok91Ƶ also bucked the trend of diminishing returns for sequels. The 2011 91ƵThor91Ƶ debuted with $65.7 million; 201391Ƶs 91ƵThor: The Dark World91Ƶ opened with $85.7 million.
The big opening cements the unlikely breakthrough of New Zealand director Taika Waititi, who shepherded the $180 million production to Marvel91Ƶs best reviews since 200891Ƶs 91ƵIron Man.91Ƶ
The weekend91Ƶs other new nationwide release was the holiday-themed comedy sequel 91ƵA Bad Mom91Ƶs Christmas.91Ƶ It grossed $17 million over the weekend.
Jake Coyle, The Associated Press