Overseas, “Happening” narrowly beat “Hulk” in grossing an estimated $32.1 million from 5,714 runs. “Hulk,” playing in far fewer locations, grossed $31 million from 3,165.
“Happening,” bowing in 2,986, also made the record books. The horror-thriller, playing in 2,984 runs, is the second-best June opening for an R-rated film after raunchy laffer “Knocked Up,” which opened last year to $30.7 million. Not many R-rated films debut in June, considering its prime season for all-audience summer films.
M. Night Shyamalan…got an eight-figure upfront salary for “The Happening,” – released on June 13. He also has a 25% ownership stake in the film, but won’t reap dividends until co-financiers Fox and UTV recoup their $60 million budget, along with P&A and interest. At that point, Shyamalan will get 50% of the film’s revenue stream.
Box Office
Hollywood all grossed out