The China Mail - 'Scream 7' makes a killing at N. America box office

Neve Campbell is back as original heroine Sidney Prescott in the Paramount film, the latest installment in the 30-year-old slasher series featuring yet another Ghostface killer.

Franchise veterans Courteney Cox and David Arquette are also back in the new film. Its worldwide box office topped $97 million, according to Exhibitor Relations.

It was the best-ever opening for a "Scream" film, according to data from Box Office Mojo.

"This is sensational business," said analyst David A. Gross of Franchise Entertainment Research.

"This audience knows these characters and story and that's what they want to see."

The killer opening for "Scream 7" knocked Sony's family-friendly animated film "GOAT" down to second place with $12 million in ticket sales in the United States and Canada.

The film -- the story of an undersized goat who wants to join a basketball-like "roarball" team -- was produced by NBA superstar Stephen Curry, who also takes on a voice role.

"Wuthering Heights" -- starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi as the doomed lovers Cathy and Heathcliff from Emily Bronte's classic novel -- dropped to third place at $7 million.

Debuting in fourth place was concert film "Twenty-One Pilots: More than We Ever Imagined," featuring a performance from the US band in Mexico City. It earned $4.3 million.

And in fifth place was "EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert," Baz Luhrmann's documentary about the legendary rocker featuring remastered footage.

The Neon film earned $3.5 million when it expanded to a wider theatrical release in North America.

Rounding out the top 10 are:

"Crime 101" ($3.4 million)

"I Can Only Imagine 2" ($3.1 million)

"Send Help" ($2.8 million)

"How to Make a Killing" ($1.6 million)

"Zootopia 2" ($1.4 million)

R.Lin--ThChM