‘Minions: Rise of Gru’ takes box office records with $129m opening

The long July 4th holiday weekend is turning into a bonanza for Hollywood as Minions: The Rise of Gru heads for a huge four-day opening of $129.2 million domestically, according to early estimates. That includes $109.5 million for the three days, reports Hollywood Reporter.

The movie will cross $86 million in overseas by Sunday for a global gross of $200 million-plus.

The movie’s performance is significant in that it confirms that parents and younger kids are ready to return to the multiplex in droves.

‘The Rise of Gru’ is a sequel to 2015’s Minions and is the fifth entry in the ‘Despicable Me’ franchise, which is the top-grossing animated series in history, not adjusted for inflation.

Heading into the weekend, tracking suggested that Minions 2 would open in the $70 million to $80 million range for the four-day holiday, but some believed it would do more. If going by the four-day number, the film will hold the record for a franchise-best opening. But if going by the three days, it will come in slightly behind Minions ($115.7 million).

Minions 2 will become only the 10th animated Hollywood film to debut to $100 million or more, a list led by Incredibles 2 ($182.7 million).

Audiences bestowed Minions: The Rise of Gru with an A CinemaScore and strong exits.