In a battle of two new 3D films, the animated sequel Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted [MADG3] prevailed with an estimated $60.4 million debut over the sci-fi prequel Prometheus [PROME] at $50.0 million. Madagascar 3 finished just off Madagascar 2's $63 million opening, but received better marks from its audience. The family film should enjoy long legs at the ummer box office.
Prometheus was number one on Friday, but dropped sharply on Saturday. The audience was 57% male and 64% over the age of 25. With word of mouth mixed , the Alien prequel's long term prospect is uncertain.
Last week's top film, Snow White & the Huntsman [SWHTM] declined 59% to $23.0 million and third place. The fairy tale actioner has earned $98.5 million in 10 days.
Playing in just 96 theaters, Moonrise Kingdom [MNRSK] cracked the top 10 with $1.6 million during its third week of limited release.
| Rank | TITLE | F-S-S | TOTAL |
| 1 | MADAGASCAR 3: EUROPE'S MOST WANTED | $60,350,000 | $60,350,000 |
| 2 | PROMETHEUS | $50,000,000 | $50,000,000 |
| 3 | SNOW WHITE & THE HUNTSMAN | $23,020,815 | $98,499,500 |
| 4 | MEN IN BLACK 3 | $13,500,000 | $135,505,000 |
| 5 | THE AVENGERS | $10,804,000 | $571,860,000 |
| 6 | THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL | $3,235,000 | $31,008,579 |
| 7 | WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU'RE EXPECTING | $2,710,000 | $35,745,372 |
| 8 | BATTLESHIP | $2,286,180 | $59,829,985 |
| 9 | THE DICTATOR | $2,150,000 | $55,189,000 |
| 10 | MOONRISE KINGDOM | $1,578,588 | $3,749,866 |
| 11 | DARK SHADOWS | $1,360,000 | $73,736,000 |
| 12 | THE HUNGER GAMES | $1,050,000 | $400,250,322 |
Tag(s): MADG3, PROME, SWHTM, MNRSK