Five years after Angelina Jolie`s 'Maleficent' cast a spell over the box office, the villainous enchantress has returned to the top of domestic charts. Disney`s 'Maleficent: Mistress of Evil,' a sequel to 2014`s fantasy adventure based on the 'Sleeping Beauty' sorceress, debuted to $36 million from 2,790 North American theaters, nearly half of what the first movie made in its inaugural weekend ($69 million). 
 
Despite opening below projections heading into the weekend, 'Maleficent: Mistress of Evil' easily towered over competition including holdover from Warner Bros.` 'Joker' and newcomer Sony`s 'Zombieland: Double Tap.' The 'Maleficent' follow-up did benefit as one of the few offerings catering to younger female moviegoers in a marketplace that`s been largely dominated by male-skewed titles like 'Joker' and Paramount`s 'Gemini Man.' Women represented 56% of ticket buyers, about 50% of which were under the age of 25. 
 
'Maleficent: Mistress of Evil' marks the lowest opening weekend of the year for Disney and will now rely on the international box office to recoup its $185 million budget. The film had much more promising showing overseas, lifting off with $117 million for a global start of $150 million. The original pulled in an impressive $517 million from foreign markets and another $241 million from the domestic market. 
 
Elle Fanning also returned for the sequel, joining newcomers to the series Michelle Pfeiffer, Ed Skrein and Chiwetel Ejiofor. 'Maleficent: Mistress of Evil' was directed by Joachim Ronning ('Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man Tell No Tales'). 
 
Fellow new release 'Zombieland: Double Tap' launched at No. 3 with a better-than-expected $26.7 million and should continue to build momentum in coming weeks as Halloween nears. The original 'Zombieland' premiered to $24 million in 2009 and ended its box office run with a solid $102 million globally. Directed by Ruben Fleischer, the zombie comedy reunites stars Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg, Emma Stone, Abigail Breslin and Bill Murray. Rosario Dawson, Zoey Deutch, Luke Wilson and Thomas Middleditch joined the cast. 'Zombieland 2' cost $42 million to make, roughly double what the studio spent on the original ($23 million). 
 
After its two-week reign atop domestic box office charts, 'Joker' slid to second place and added $29 million in its third weekend of release. That puts the dark supervillain origin story -- starring Joaquin Phoenix and directed by Todd Phillips -- close to the $250 million mark in North America, with ticket sales hitting $247 million. Overseas, 'Joker' has scared up a mighty $490 million for a worldwide bounty of $737.5 million. 
 
In other milestones, STX and Lorene Scafaria`s 'Hustlers' crossed the coveted $100 million benchmark at the domestic box office. After six weeks in theaters, 'Hustlers' pulled in another $2 million, boosting its haul to $101.8 million in North America and $128.8 million globally. 
 
Meanwhile, Focus Features` 'Downton Abbey' has surpassed $88 million in the States and now stands as the studio`s highest-grossing movie ever at the domestic box office, a record previously held by "Brokeback Mountain" with $83 million. 
 
Among awards season hopefuls, Fox Searchlight`s "Jojo Rabbit" bowed with a strong $350,000 from five theaters in New York and Los Angeles, averaging $70,000 from each location. Written and directed by Taika Waititi (who also stars in the film as an absurdist imaginary Adolf Hitler), "Jojo Rabbit" is set during World War II and follows a young boy eager to join the Hitler Youth, who discovers his mother is hiding a Jewish girl in their attic. Critics have been mostly impressed with "Jojo Rabbit" (it holds a 77% on Rotten Tomatoes), while audiences have awarded it with an A CinemaScore. 
 
"There are many reasons to be very optimistic about the future of `Jojo Rabbit,`" said Frank Rodriguez, Fox Searchlight`s president of domestic distribution. "Notably, the very good performance at the box office this weekend, the excellent CinemaScore of A, and the interest that we see from exhibitors and moviegoers who are eager to play and see the film in the coming weeks." 
 
'Jojo Rabbit,' based on the novel 'Caging Skies,' will continue its paced rollout next weekend in eight new markets, including Denver, Austin, Phoenix, Washington DC, Boston, Chicago, San Francisco and Toronto. The studio is aiming for a nationwide release by Nov. 8. The cast includes Roman Griffin Davis, Thomasin McKenzie, Scarlett Johansson, Rebel Wilson and Sam Rockwell. 
 
Elsewhere, Robert Eggers` 'The Lighthouse' took in $419,764 from eight venues. The darkly comedic drama, led by Robert Pattinson and Willem Dafoe, will continue to expand nationwide next weekend, where it will play on 500 screens.

Five years after Angelina Jolie`s 'Maleficent' cast a spell over the box office, the villainous enchantress has returned to the top of domestic charts. Disney`s 'Maleficent: Mistress of Evil,' a sequel to 2014`s fantasy adventure based on the 'Sleeping Beauty' sorceress, debuted to $36 million from 2,790 North American theaters, nearly half of what the first movie made in its inaugural weekend ($69 million).

Five years after Angelina Jolie`s 'Maleficent' cast a spell over the box office, the villainous enchantress has returned to the top of domestic charts. Disney`s 'Maleficent: Mistress of Evil,' a sequel to 2014`s fantasy adventure based on the 'Sleeping Beauty' sorceress, debuted to $36 million from 2,790 North American theaters, nearly half of what the first movie made in its inaugural weekend ($69 million). Despite opening below projections heading into the weekend, 'Maleficent: Mistress of Evil' easily towered over competition including holdover from Warner Bros.` 'Joker' and newcomer Sony`s 'Zombieland: Double Tap.' The 'Maleficent' follow-up did benefit as one of the few offerings catering to younger female moviegoers in a marketplace that`s been largely dominated by male-skewed titles like 'Joker' and Paramount`s 'Gemini Man.' Women represented 56% of ticket buyers, about 50% of which were under the age of 25. 'Maleficent: Mistress of Evil' marks the lowest opening weekend of the year for Disney and will now rely on the international box office to recoup its $185 million budget. The film had much more promising showing overseas, lifting off with $117 million for a global start of $150 million. The original pulled in an impressive $517 million from foreign markets and another $241 million from the domestic market. Elle Fanning also returned for the sequel, joining newcomers to the series Michelle Pfeiffer, Ed Skrein and Chiwetel Ejiofor. 'Maleficent: Mistress of Evil' was directed by Joachim Ronning ('Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man Tell No Tales'). Fellow new release 'Zombieland: Double Tap' launched at No. 3 with a better-than-expected $26.7 million and should continue to build momentum in coming weeks as Halloween nears. The original 'Zombieland' premiered to $24 million in 2009 and ended its box office run with a solid $102 million globally. Directed by Ruben Fleischer, the zombie comedy reunites stars Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg, Emma Stone, Abigail Breslin and Bill Murray. Rosario Dawson, Zoey Deutch, Luke Wilson and Thomas Middleditch joined the cast. 'Zombieland 2' cost $42 million to make, roughly double what the studio spent on the original ($23 million). After its two-week reign atop domestic box office charts, 'Joker' slid to second place and added $29 million in its third weekend of release. That puts the dark supervillain origin story -- starring Joaquin Phoenix and directed by Todd Phillips -- close to the $250 million mark in North America, with ticket sales hitting $247 million. Overseas, 'Joker' has scared up a mighty $490 million for a worldwide bounty of $737.5 million. In other milestones, STX and Lorene Scafaria`s 'Hustlers' crossed the coveted $100 million benchmark at the domestic box office. After six weeks in theaters, 'Hustlers' pulled in another $2 million, boosting its haul to $101.8 million in North America and $128.8 million globally. Meanwhile, Focus Features` 'Downton Abbey' has surpassed $88 million in the States and now stands as the studio`s highest-grossing movie ever at the domestic box office, a record previously held by "Brokeback Mountain" with $83 million. Among awards season hopefuls, Fox Searchlight`s "Jojo Rabbit" bowed with a strong $350,000 from five theaters in New York and Los Angeles, averaging $70,000 from each location. Written and directed by Taika Waititi (who also stars in the film as an absurdist imaginary Adolf Hitler), "Jojo Rabbit" is set during World War II and follows a young boy eager to join the Hitler Youth, who discovers his mother is hiding a Jewish girl in their attic. Critics have been mostly impressed with "Jojo Rabbit" (it holds a 77% on Rotten Tomatoes), while audiences have awarded it with an A CinemaScore. "There are many reasons to be very optimistic about the future of `Jojo Rabbit,`" said Frank Rodriguez, Fox Searchlight`s president of domestic distribution. "Notably, the very good performance at the box office this weekend, the excellent CinemaScore of A, and the interest that we see from exhibitors and moviegoers who are eager to play and see the film in the coming weeks." 'Jojo Rabbit,' based on the novel 'Caging Skies,' will continue its paced rollout next weekend in eight new markets, including Denver, Austin, Phoenix, Washington DC, Boston, Chicago, San Francisco and Toronto. The studio is aiming for a nationwide release by Nov. 8. The cast includes Roman Griffin Davis, Thomasin McKenzie, Scarlett Johansson, Rebel Wilson and Sam Rockwell. Elsewhere, Robert Eggers` 'The Lighthouse' took in $419,764 from eight venues. The darkly comedic drama, led by Robert Pattinson and Willem Dafoe, will continue to expand nationwide next weekend, where it will play on 500 screens.

Angelina Jolie's 'Maleficent: Mistress of Evil' dominates with soft $36 million

Angelina Jolie arrived at the European premiere of 'Maleficent: Mistress of Evil'&nbsp;with four of her six children on Wednesday night (October 9) in London's South Bank.

Zahara, Shiloh and twins Knox and Vivienne walked Mom down the red carpet, keeping her company on the latest leg of the new Disney film's tour.

Jolie told Reuters she is very fond of her magical, villainous character 'Maleficent' because she is flawed and wonders whether she is being a good mother to her goddaughter, Princess Aurora, played by Elle Fanning.

"She really questions whether or not she's a good enough Mom and doesn't know where she belongs and who she is?" said Jolie.

"She has to learn about herself, like all of us do."

In the second saga that comes five years after the first film, Maleficent and Aurora face unexpected strains on their relationship, after the princess agrees to be married and dark forces come into play, triggered by a scheming mother-in-law-to-be, Queen Ingrith, played by Michelle Pfeiffer.

In real life, Jolie has watched Fanning "grow up" in the role of Aurora, after she first played the part in 2014 as a young teen.

Jolie says "special" Fanning has remained "just as sweet, just as grateful" in the business, despite "pressures and influences."

Fellow Brit male co-stars on the red carpet, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Sam Riley and Ed Skrein all praised the film's strong female leads, Jolie, Fanning and Pfeiffer who was absent on the night.

Ejiofor told Reuters Jolie had helped with his flying and landing as a fellow 'Fey' fairy character. Riley admitted to 'gawping' or staring openly at Jolie and Pfeiffer when the female characters faced off, often forgetting he was in the same scene.

Jolie who is also producing the film told Reuters she is excited about how children will discuss the topics with adults that the film raises, which include family relationships, tolerance, diversity and the environment.

"I hope the end, whether they know why or not, or connected to politics or not, they just are happy that people are together being themselves and embracing each other," she said. "(Then) you've done something."

'Maleficent: Mistress of Evil' will release on&nbsp;October 18.

Angelina Jolie arrived at the European premiere of 'Maleficent: Mistress of Evil' with four of her six children on Wednesday night (October 9) in London's South Bank.

Angelina Jolie arrived at the European premiere of 'Maleficent: Mistress of Evil' with four of her six children on Wednesday night (October 9) in London's South Bank. Zahara, Shiloh and twins Knox and Vivienne walked Mom down the red carpet, keeping her company on the latest leg of the new Disney film's tour. Jolie told Reuters she is very fond of her magical, villainous character 'Maleficent' because she is flawed and wonders whether she is being a good mother to her goddaughter, Princess Aurora, played by Elle Fanning. "She really questions whether or not she's a good enough Mom and doesn't know where she belongs and who she is?" said Jolie. "She has to learn about herself, like all of us do." In the second saga that comes five years after the first film, Maleficent and Aurora face unexpected strains on their relationship, after the princess agrees to be married and dark forces come into play, triggered by a scheming mother-in-law-to-be, Queen Ingrith, played by Michelle Pfeiffer. In real life, Jolie has watched Fanning "grow up" in the role of Aurora, after she first played the part in 2014 as a young teen. Jolie says "special" Fanning has remained "just as sweet, just as grateful" in the business, despite "pressures and influences." Fellow Brit male co-stars on the red carpet, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Sam Riley and Ed Skrein all praised the film's strong female leads, Jolie, Fanning and Pfeiffer who was absent on the night. Ejiofor told Reuters Jolie had helped with his flying and landing as a fellow 'Fey' fairy character. Riley admitted to 'gawping' or staring openly at Jolie and Pfeiffer when the female characters faced off, often forgetting he was in the same scene. Jolie who is also producing the film told Reuters she is excited about how children will discuss the topics with adults that the film raises, which include family relationships, tolerance, diversity and the environment. "I hope the end, whether they know why or not, or connected to politics or not, they just are happy that people are together being themselves and embracing each other," she said. "(Then) you've done something." 'Maleficent: Mistress of Evil' will release on October 18.

Angelina Jolie like 'Maleficent' questions her Mom skills

Actress Angelina Jolie made it a family affair for the world premiere of her latest film 'Maleficent: Mistress of Evil' as she turned out on Monday (September 30) with four of her children, Shiloh, Vivienne, Knox and Zahara.

The actress plays the lead role of the black horned and winged Maleficent, who in the sequel is once again misunderstood as an evil villain.

However, the real villain is Queen Ingrith, played by Michelle Pfeiffer, who wants to make life hell for both Maleficent and the magical creatures she protects.

With three female leads and several male co-stars, like Sam Riley, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Ed Skrein, who play second fiddle to the leads, it seems like the film is flying the flag for diversity and inclusion in Hollywood.

Jolie said "I know that people will say that the last few years have inspired this and maybe that's true but sadly these themes have been going on for hundreds of years and thousands of years. I think that it is a wonderful thing to see another strong woman added to the cast and it's equally wonderful to see very strong men who we need and we love and who support and inspire and teach us as part of the story."

At the heart of the film is the love story between Maleficent and her adopted daughter, Aurora. However, when Aurora accepts a marriage proposal, Maleficent, feeling she's losing her, lashes out.

When asked if she had any mothering tips for Maleficent, Jolie told Reuters "For Maleficent, considering she is the Mistress of Evil, she's doing a pretty good job. The father's a bird, we have some severe issues going on. She's trying her best and I think where she fails is that she doesn't believe in herself, she doesn't believe that she's a good mom, she doesn't see herself as a mom but I think I questioned when I was first a mother whether I was good enough and I think that a lot of good moms question whether they're good enough and there's nothing wrong with that."

Jolie was also asked about the current impeachment process against US President Donald Trump, although she was reticent, saying "I didn't want to talk politics tonight."

However, she went on to say "We live in a country of laws and we have to have those laws and I don't believe it should be my opinion, something as serious as impeachment, something as serious as what would lead to that or what has happened is not for me to decide, it's not my opinion that ever matters. It's about the facts and the law and I will have to trust that will play itself out in strength as this country is a country of laws."

'Maleficent: Mistress of Evil' goes on release globally from October 16.

Actress Angelina Jolie made it a family affair for the world premiere of her latest film 'Maleficent: Mistress of Evil' as she turned out on Monday (September 30) with four of her children, Shiloh, Vivienne, Knox and Zahara.

Actress Angelina Jolie made it a family affair for the world premiere of her latest film 'Maleficent: Mistress of Evil' as she turned out on Monday (September 30) with four of her children, Shiloh, Vivienne, Knox and Zahara. The actress plays the lead role of the black horned and winged Maleficent, who in the sequel is once again misunderstood as an evil villain. However, the real villain is Queen Ingrith, played by Michelle Pfeiffer, who wants to make life hell for both Maleficent and the magical creatures she protects. With three female leads and several male co-stars, like Sam Riley, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Ed Skrein, who play second fiddle to the leads, it seems like the film is flying the flag for diversity and inclusion in Hollywood. Jolie said "I know that people will say that the last few years have inspired this and maybe that's true but sadly these themes have been going on for hundreds of years and thousands of years. I think that it is a wonderful thing to see another strong woman added to the cast and it's equally wonderful to see very strong men who we need and we love and who support and inspire and teach us as part of the story." At the heart of the film is the love story between Maleficent and her adopted daughter, Aurora. However, when Aurora accepts a marriage proposal, Maleficent, feeling she's losing her, lashes out. When asked if she had any mothering tips for Maleficent, Jolie told Reuters "For Maleficent, considering she is the Mistress of Evil, she's doing a pretty good job. The father's a bird, we have some severe issues going on. She's trying her best and I think where she fails is that she doesn't believe in herself, she doesn't believe that she's a good mom, she doesn't see herself as a mom but I think I questioned when I was first a mother whether I was good enough and I think that a lot of good moms question whether they're good enough and there's nothing wrong with that." Jolie was also asked about the current impeachment process against US President Donald Trump, although she was reticent, saying "I didn't want to talk politics tonight." However, she went on to say "We live in a country of laws and we have to have those laws and I don't believe it should be my opinion, something as serious as impeachment, something as serious as what would lead to that or what has happened is not for me to decide, it's not my opinion that ever matters. It's about the facts and the law and I will have to trust that will play itself out in strength as this country is a country of laws." 'Maleficent: Mistress of Evil' goes on release globally from October 16.

Angelina Jolie talks motherhood and impeachment at premiere of 'Maleficent: Mistress of Evil'

Makers of ‘Maleficent 2’ don’t want you to wait for another year as the film’s release has been preponed to October 18, 2019. It was slated to hit the theatres earlier on May 29, 2020.&nbsp;

The news was made public earlier in the morning today.

The fantasy-adventure ‘Maleficent 2’ will now coincide on the theatres with an untitled film from horror-maker 'Blumhouse'. It will also have to contend with the second weekends of 'The Adams Family', the adaptation of Donna Tartt's 'The Goldfinch', 'Zombieland 2' 'Gemini Man', a futuristic thriller that unites Will Smith and Ang Lee.

The film, however, chose to not face off with the weekends of 'Fast &amp; Furious 9' and 'The Spongebob Movie'.

The movie will see Angelina Jolie reprise her role as the villainous enchantress Maleficent. The cast also includes Elle Fanning, Sam Riley, Imelda Staunton, Juno Temple, and Lesley Manville, who appeared in the first installment, as well as franchise newcomers Michelle Pfeiffer, Ed Skrein, Harris Dickinson and Chiwetel Ejiofor.

Makers of ‘Maleficent 2’ don’t want you to wait for another year as the film’s release has been preponed to October 18, 2019. It was slated to hit the theatres earlier on May 29, 2020.

Makers of ‘Maleficent 2’ don’t want you to wait for another year as the film’s release has been preponed to October 18, 2019. It was slated to hit the theatres earlier on May 29, 2020. The news was made public earlier in the morning today. The fantasy-adventure ‘Maleficent 2’ will now coincide on the theatres with an untitled film from horror-maker 'Blumhouse'. It will also have to contend with the second weekends of 'The Adams Family', the adaptation of Donna Tartt's 'The Goldfinch', 'Zombieland 2' 'Gemini Man', a futuristic thriller that unites Will Smith and Ang Lee. The film, however, chose to not face off with the weekends of 'Fast & Furious 9' and 'The Spongebob Movie'. The movie will see Angelina Jolie reprise her role as the villainous enchantress Maleficent. The cast also includes Elle Fanning, Sam Riley, Imelda Staunton, Juno Temple, and Lesley Manville, who appeared in the first installment, as well as franchise newcomers Michelle Pfeiffer, Ed Skrein, Harris Dickinson and Chiwetel Ejiofor.

Angelina Jolie's 'Maleficent 2' gets a new release date

Walt Disney Studios has announced the production start of 'Maleficent 2'&nbsp;starring Angelina Jolie and Elle Fanning.

The studio posted behind-the-scenes looks of Fanning and Jolie, who returns as Aurora and Maleficent respectively in the sequel.

Actors Sam Riley, Imelda Staunton, Juno Temple, and Lesley Manville are also returning for the sequel and they will be joined by newcomers Michelle Pfeiffer, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Harris Dickinson, Ed Skrein, and Robert Lindsay.

" 'Maleficent 2', starring Angelina Jolie, Elle Fanning, and Michelle Pfeiffer, is now in production," the studio wrote on Twitter.

Fanning also shared the photos from film's set and wrote, "It brings your mom to work day on the #Maleficent2 set!"

Joachim Ronning is helming the sequel with a script from Jez Butterworth and Linda Woolverton.&nbsp;

The studio posted behind-the-scenes looks of Fanning and Jolie as the characters in the film

Walt Disney Studios has announced the production start of 'Maleficent 2' starring Angelina Jolie and Elle Fanning. The studio posted behind-the-scenes looks of Fanning and Jolie, who returns as Aurora and Maleficent respectively in the sequel. Actors Sam Riley, Imelda Staunton, Juno Temple, and Lesley Manville are also returning for the sequel and they will be joined by newcomers Michelle Pfeiffer, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Harris Dickinson, Ed Skrein, and Robert Lindsay. " 'Maleficent 2', starring Angelina Jolie, Elle Fanning, and Michelle Pfeiffer, is now in production," the studio wrote on Twitter. Fanning also shared the photos from film's set and wrote, "It brings your mom to work day on the #Maleficent2 set!" Joachim Ronning is helming the sequel with a script from Jez Butterworth and Linda Woolverton.

Elle Fanning and Angelina Jolie start filming for 'Maleficent 2'

Walt Disney Studios has announced the production start of 'Maleficent 2'&nbspstarring Angelina Jolie and Elle Fanning.

The studio posted behind-the-scenes looks of Fanning and Jolie, who returns as Aurora and Maleficent respectively in the sequel.

Actors Sam Riley, Imelda Staunton, Juno Temple, and Lesley Manville are also returning for the sequel and they will be joined by newcomers Michelle Pfeiffer, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Harris Dickinson, Ed Skrein, and Robert Lindsay.

" 'Maleficent 2', starring Angelina Jolie, Elle Fanning, and Michelle Pfeiffer, is now in production," the studio wrote on Twitter.

Fanning also shared the photos from film's set and wrote, "It brings your mom to work day on the #Maleficent2 set!"

Joachim Ronning is helming the sequel with a script from Jez Butterworth and Linda Woolverton.&nbsp

Walt Disney Studios has announced the production start of 'Maleficent 2'&nbspstarring Angelina Jolie and Elle Fanning. The studio posted behind-the-scenes looks of Fanning and Jolie, who returns as Aurora and Maleficent respectively in the sequel. Actors Sam Riley, Imelda Staunton, Juno Temple, and Lesley Manville are also returning for the sequel and they will be joined by newcomers Michelle Pfeiffer, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Harris Dickinson, Ed Skrein, and Robert Lindsay. " 'Maleficent 2', starring Angelina Jolie, Elle Fanning, and Michelle Pfeiffer, is now in production," the studio wrote on Twitter. Fanning also shared the photos from film's set and wrote, "It brings your mom to work day on the #Maleficent2 set!" Joachim Ronning is helming the sequel with a script from Jez Butterworth and Linda Woolverton.

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Angelina Jolie's 'Maleficent: Mistress of Evil' dominates with soft $36 million

Angelina Jolie like 'Maleficent' questions her Mom skills

Angelina Jolie talks motherhood and impeachment at premiere of 'Maleficent: Mistress of Evil'

Angelina Jolie's 'Maleficent 2' gets a new release date

Elle Fanning and Angelina Jolie start filming for 'Maleficent 2'

Elle Fanning and Angelina Jolie start filming for 'Maleficent 2'