Hammer's chilling ghost story The Woman in Black exceeded box office expectations to open in the no.2 spot in its three day opening weekend (Fri-Sun) in the US, grossing just over $21m.
This is more than Paranormal Activity's opening weekend which grossed $19,617,650 in 2009 and The Grudge 2 which grossed $20,825,300 in 2006.
Hammer's adaptation of Susan Hill's classic novel, starring Daniel Radcliffe, opened on almost 2855 screens with a per screen average of $7,356.
This weekend's three day gross makes The Woman in Black the highest opening ever for a Hammer film in the US.
The Woman in Black, starring Daniel Radcliffe, is the iconic production company's first ever feature ghost story. It is directed by James Watkins and adapted by Jane Goldman from the book by Susan Hill.
Commenting on the success of The Woman in Black, Simon Oakes, President & CEO of Hammer and Vice Chairman of Exclusive Media said: "We are delighted that The Woman in Black has performed so well. The fact that a gothic horror has attracted such a large audience on opening weekend shows the demand for elevated and intelligent genre films which Hammer aims to produce."
The Woman in Black director James Watkins said: 'I'm thrilled that a British ghost story, made with a British cast, crew and investment, is playing so well with American audiences.'
Synopsis: A young lawyer travels to a remote village where he discovers the vengeful ghost of a scorned woman is terrorizing the locals.
Released: USA Feb 3rd / IRE&UK Feb 10th
Source: Hammer
