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American Sniper was expected to do well this weekend after an impressive limited release, but not this well: The Clint Eastwood-directed war film took in an estimated $90.2 million—and broke a few records.
The Oscar-nominated film set a new record for a January opening by taking in $30.5 million on Friday, breaking the mark set by Cloverfield ($17.2 million on Jan. 18, 2008). January is a notoriously slow month at the box office, so Sniper‘s debut is particularly eye-opening.
More from USA Today on the record breaking details:
Warner Bros studio has further estimated a $105 million haul over the entire four-day Martin Luther King holiday weekend.
So what records did the R-rated drama, starring Bradley Cooper and directed by Clint Eastwood, break?
The largest MLK opening weekend ever with a projected $105 million. The previous record was Kevin Hart's Ride Along with $48.6 million over the four-day weekend in 2014.
The largest January weekend ever. The previous record was James Cameron's Avatar with $68.5 million in 2010.
The largest R-rated four-day weekend ever. The previous record for the restricted rating was Hangover Part II which made $103.4 million over the Memorial Day holiday weekend in 2011.
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"American Sniper" is up for six Oscars, including best picture and Bradley Cooper, who plays Kyle, is nominated for best actor.
Be sure to check out coverage of the Dallas premiere of the movie here.
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