'Iron Man' Rakes in Box-Office Gold
Marvel Studios estimates that Iron Man — which stars Robert Downey Jr. as billionaire arms maker-turned-superhero Tony Stark — pulled in more than $100 million in its first few days of release. That's far more than Marvel expected for its first release as an independent studio.
ANDREA SEABROOK, host:
There's someone else raking in a lot of gold.
(Soundbite of movie, "Iron Man")
Mr. ROBERT DOWNEY, JR. (Actor): (as Iron Man) It better be fear or respect. I say, is it too much to ask for both?
SEABROOK: "Iron Man" starring Robert Downey, Jr. He plays the billionaire arms maker turned superhero, Tony Stark. "Iron Man" kicked off the summer blockbuster season early this weekend. Marvel Studios estimates its film pulled in just over $100 million in its first few days of release. That's far more than the studio expected.
(Soundbite of movie, "Iron Man")
Mr. DOWNEY, JR.: (as Iron Man) Yeah, I can fly.
SEABROOK: "Iron Man" is Marvel's first release as an independent studio. It's also Robert Downey, Jr.'s return to big-ticket status after years of being considered unemployable. He's had serious drug and alcohol problems.
The weekend's only other new release was the romantic comedy, "Made of Honor," which landed in the number two spot with $15 million.
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