Americans dug into a little gladiatorial combat along with the turkey and cranberry sauce on Thursday, propelling “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” to $14.9 million at the domestic box office. That impressive haul beat previous record holder “Toy Story 2” to set a new benchmark for Thanksgiving day grosses.The Pixar film earned $13.1 million in 1999.
Lionsgate’s blockbuster sequel has now grossed $222 million in North America since opening last week. It has earned an estimated $423 million globally and opened in 16 more foreign markets this week.
The well-reviewed picture, which once again sees Jennifer Lawrence in a desperate battle to stay alive, is on pace to earn a massive $100 million over the holiday.