From Variety:
Fueled by older males, Sony/TriStar’s sci-fi thriller “District 9” opened to a boffo $37 million from 3,049 theaters to win the weekend crown at the domestic B.O.
Movie was a sizable victory for Sony’s Worldwide Acquisitions Group, Sony’s marketing team, frosh filmmaker Neill Blomkamp and producer Peter Jackson. “District’s” opening is one more example of a pic generating strong biz this summer without big stars.
The gamer demographic became enthralled with Neill Blomkamp after his name was attached to direct a Peter Jackson-produced Halo movie. When that project fell through, the two men collaborated on this movie, said to be similar in scope to the original idea behind the movie adaptation of Microsoft’s hit shooter.
Now, District 9 is number one at the box office, having cost $30 million to make, but taking in over $37 million in one weekend. As you continue to see word of mouth spread and the movie stay in theaters, remember that you re a witness to power of the gamer demographic.
