Jason Reitman's Ghostbusters: Afterlife is now playing in theaters worldwide, and the long-awaited threequel is off to a strong start at the box office.
The movie's better-than-expected domestic takings ($44 million from 4,315 venues) have propelled it to a $60 million global opening weekend. It's worth noting that 2016's Ghostbusters - which underperformed at the BO - opened to $46 million in North America, but Paul Feig's female-fronted reboot had a reported budget of $144 million, while Afterlife only cost $75.
Critics seem to be split on the sentimental family adventure (you can check out our verdict here), which currently sits at 61% on Rotten Tomatoes. The movie's perceived overreliance on nostalgia and fan service hasn't gone over well with everyone, but audiences do seem to be responding more positively.
Sony Pictures is sure to be pleased with this result, but Afterlife will face still competition from Disney's Encanto next week, while MGM’s star-studded House of Gucci and Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City (another Sony release) are also set to hit theaters.
Have you been to see Ghostbusters: Afterlife yet? If so, what did you think? If you don't mind spoilers, you can find out how the original cast members make their big entrance here.