Denzel Washington's update of “The Equalizer” stormed the box office Friday night, topping holdover “The Maze Runner” and newcomer “The Boxtrolls” with a strong $12.6 million opening.
Based on the 1980s CBS series, “The Equalizer” will likely earn a big $35 million+ for the weekend. So far, it's outpacing Washington's previous two starring roles; last year's “2 Guns” opened to $27.1 million, while 2012's “Flight” flew to $24.9 million.
“The Equalizer” was directed by Antoine Fuqua, who directed Washington to an Oscar in “Training Day” more than a decade ago.
Meanwhile, “The Maze Runner” found its way to second place, scoring $5.1 million and bringing its domestic total to $45.6 million.
Animated newcomer “The Boxtrolls” — from Laika Studios (“Coraline,” “ParaNorman”) scared up a solid $4.9 million. It will likely gross some $16 – $17 million, roughly equal to the debuts of their previous films.
The family drama “This Is Where I Leave You, 'which features a big cast led by Tina Fey, Jason Bateman and Jane Fonda, earned another $2.2 million on Friday. It has so far earned $17.7 million domestically.
The Idris Elba drama “No Good Deed” came up with $1.3 million on Friday, and now claims a domestic total of $43.3 million.
Look for continuing box office updates throughout the weekend on HitFix.