'Iron Man 3' Crushes Competition

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Iron Man is a bigger golden boy than ever with a $175.3 million opening weekend at the domestic box office for the superhero's latest sequel.

According to studio estimates Sunday, "Iron Man 3" had the second-biggest debut ever, behind the $207.4 million start last year for "The Avengers," which teamed him with other Marvel Comics heroes.

Opening a week earlier overseas, "Iron Man 3" has hauled in $504.8 million internationally, giving the blockbuster a worldwide total of $680.1 million.

The film shot past the $312 million international total for "Iron Man 2" in its entire theatrical run.

"Iron Man 3" far outpaced the franchise's first two movies. "Iron Man" launched the series with a $98.6 million domestic debut in 2008, while 2010's "Iron Man 2" opened with $128.1 million.

Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Hollywood.com. Where  available, latest international numbers are included. Final domestic figures will be released Monday:

1. "Iron Man 3," $175.3 million.

2. "Pain & Gain," $7.6 million.

3. "42," $6.2 million.

4. "Oblivion," $5.8 million.

5. "The Croods," $4.2 million.

6. "The Big Wedding," $3.875 million.

7. "Mud," $2.2 million.

8. "Oz the Great and Powerful," $1.8 million.

9. "Scary Movie 5," $1.4 million.

10. "The Place Beyond The Pines," $1.3 million.

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