Zombie Flick Takes Top Spot at the Box Office

A new zombie movie has taken the lead at the North American box office. "28 Years Later: The Bone Temple" made a strong debut, earning $5. 6 million on its first day. This is the fourth movie in the popular zombie series. It played in over 3, 500 theaters across the country. Experts think it could make around $15 million during the long Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend. The last movie in this series, made by director Danny Boyle, opened with $30 million over a regular three-day weekend. It ended up making $70 million in the U. S. and $150 million worldwide. "The Bone Temple" cost a bit more to make, at $63 million. The movie follows actors Ralph Fiennes, Jack O'Connell, and Alfie Williams as they fight off a deadly virus in the British countryside. Critics and audiences love it, giving it high marks.Meanwhile, "Avatar: Fire and Ash" is in second place with $3. 2 million on its fifth Friday. This movie is part of James Cameron's "Avatar" series. It's expected to make about $17 million during the holiday weekend. By Monday, its total earnings in the U. S. should reach around $367 million. Even though it's not number one this week, it's still doing very well. Another movie, "Hamnet, " is a drama based on Shakespeare's life. It expanded to more theaters and made $370, 000 on Friday. "The Housemaid, " a thriller, is in third place with $2. 5 million on Friday. It's done well, making $109 million so far. A sequel is already planned. "Primate, " a horror movie about monkeys, is in sixth place with $1. 4 million on its second Friday. It opened well last weekend, making $13. 4 million worldwide.