Maleficent Rules the Box Office

Disney‘s Maleficent: Mistress of Evil topped the box office this weekend, but the opening was relatively soft at $36 million. By comparison, the Angelina Jolie and Elle Fanning-led original opened at $69 million.

The $185 million budget sequel had a much better showing overseas, with $117 million for a global start of $150 million.

Still, Maleficent easily topped Warner Bros.‘ Joker in its third week out with $29 million, and fellow newbie Zombieland: Double Tap, which grabbed $26.7 million.

Meanwhile, Hustlers crossed the $100 million box office line and Downton Abbey became Focus Features‘ highest-grossing film ever with $88 million brought in so far.