July 18--What Marvel's latest big-screen comic book hero lacks in size, it makes up for in box office pull.
The Disney-owned studio's new action-comedy "Ant-Man" led the Friday box office after raking in an estimated $22.6 million.
Starring Paul Rudd as the titular, shrinking hero, Marvel's latest adaptation has been a bit of a gamble.
INDIE FOCUS: Sign up for our weekly movies newsletter
While the studio has launched numerous juggernaut franchises based on its beloved comics, "Ant-Man" is relatively unknown compared with titles such as "X-Men," "Iron Man," "Captain America" or "The Avengers."
The film also had a bumpy launch, with the surprise exit of director Edgar Wright during pre-production (Peyton Reed replaced him).
Analysts originally projected the film would debut at $60 million to $65 million through Sunday, but Saturday estimates show the film coming in under $60 million.
Also off to a strong start is "Trainwreck," Amy Schumer's R-rated flick.
The Judd Apatow-directed raunchy rom-com, which marks the comedian-du-jour's debut as a big-screen lead, took in $10.7 million.
Schumer, who also wrote the film's screenplay, scored seven Emmy nominations for her Comedy Central hit "Inside Amy Schumer."
ALSO
Amy Schumer's 'Trainwreck' leaves the station with mostly strong reviews
Real doctor behind 'Stanford Prison Experiment' talks about dark side of power
Director Christopher McQuarrie's unlikely path to 'Mission: Impossible -- Rogue Nation'
