Dr. Seuss still knows how to bring in the big bucks.
The Lorax, the Dr. Seuss big screen adaptation, ruled the day on Friday grossing more than $17 million, according to early box office results. The animated film dominated the competition on its opening day in theaters, with Project X coming in second—but it wasn’t even close.
Director Nima Nourizaeh’s comedy brought in $8.1 million on Friday, according to box office tracking website, Box Office Mojo.com.
Friday’s results pretty much ensure that Lorax will finish in the No. 1 spot this weekend, which would overthrow Act of Valor,which earned first place a week ago. The real-life Navy SEALs action film fell to third place on Friday with $3.8 million.
The Lorax was directed by Chris Renaud, and includes voice over work from actors Danny DeVito, Zac Efron, and Ed Helms. Popular singer Taylor Swift also offered her voice in the animated film, as did megastar Betty White.
Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax is based on the author’s 1971 book. It tells the story of a 12-year-old boy who, by trying to find the one thing that will win a girl’s affection, discovers the Lorax, an orange woodland creature trying to save his forest from a greedy entrepreneur.
The movie’s release came the same week that fans of the popular author celebrated what would’ve been his 108th birthday. He is the same man who brought the world The Cat in the Hat, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Green Eggs and Ham, Oh The Places You Will Go! and Horton Hears a Who!
Here’s what the Top 5 looked like on Friday:
1. The Lorax — $17.4 million
2. Project X — $8.1 million
3. Act of Valor — $3.8 million
4. Safe House — $1.9 million
5. Tyler Perry’s Good Deeds — $1.85 million
5. The Vow — $1.85 million
