- Honda and Nissan expected to begin merger talks
- 'Draconian' Vietnam internet law heightens free speech fears
- Israeli women mobilise against ultra-Orthodox military exemptions
- Asian markets track Wall St rally as US inflation eases rate worries
- Tens of thousands protest in Serbian capital over fatal train station accident
- Trump vows to 'stop transgender lunacy' as a top priority
- Daniels throws five TDs as Commanders down Eagles, Lions and Vikings win
- 'Who's next?': Misinformation and online threats after US CEO slaying
- Only 12 trucks delivered food, water in North Gaza Governorate since October: Oxfam
- Langers edge Tiger and son Charlie in PNC Championship playoff
- Explosive batsman Jacobs gets New Zealand call-up for Sri Lanka series
- Holders PSG edge through on penalties in French Cup
- Slovak PM Fico on surprise visit to Kremlin to talk gas deliveries
- Daniels throw five TDs as Commanders down Eagles
- Atalanta fight back to take top spot in Serie A, Roma hit five
- Mancini admits regrets over leaving Italy for Saudi Arabia
- Run machine Ayub shines as Pakistan sweep South Africa
- Slovak PM Fico on surprise visit to Kremlin
- Gaza rescuers say Israeli strikes kill 35
- 'Incredible' Liverpool must stay focused: Slot
- Maresca 'absolutely happy' as title-chasing Chelsea drop points in Everton draw
- Salah happy wherever career ends after inspiring Liverpool rout
- Three and easy as Dortmund move into Bundesliga top six
- Liverpool hit Spurs for six, Man Utd embarrassed by Bournemouth
- Netanyahu vows to act with 'force, determination' against Yemen's Huthis
- Mbappe back from 'bottom' as Real Madrid down Sevilla
- Ali hat-trick helps champions Ahly crush Belouizdad
- France kept on tenterhooks over new government
- Salah stars as rampant Liverpool hit Spurs for six
- Syria's new leader says all weapons to come under 'state control'
- 'Sonic 3' zips to top of N.America box office
- Rome's Trevi Fountain reopens to limited crowds
- Mbappe strikes as Real Madrid down Sevilla
- 'Nervous' Man Utd humiliated by Bournemouth
- Pope again condemns 'cruelty' of Israeli strikes on Gaza
- Lonely this Christmas: Vendee skippers in low-key celebrations on high seas
- Troubled Man Utd humiliated by Bournemouth
- 2 US pilots shot down over Red Sea in 'friendly fire' incident: military
- Man Utd embarrassed by Bournemouth, Chelsea held at Everton
- France awaits fourth government of the year
- Germany pledges security inquest into Christmas market attack
- Death toll in Brazil bus crash rises to 41
- Joshua bout only fight left for beaten Fury says promoter Hearn
- Odermatt stays hot to break Swiss World Cup wins record
- Neville says Rashford's career at Man Utd nearing 'inevitable ending'
- Syria's new leader vows not to negatively interfere in Lebanon
- Germany pledges security inquest after Christmas market attack
- Putin vows 'destruction' on Ukraine after Kazan drone attack
- Understated Usyk seeks recognition among boxing legends
- France awaits appointment of new government
'Venom' still kills, topping N.American box office
The new Columbia/Marvel superhero film "Venom: The Last Dance" failed to match the openings of the series' two previous episodes but still easily topped the North American box office with ticket sales estimated at $51 million, industry watchers said.
"Venom: Let There Be Carnage," the follow-up to the original "Venom," had enjoyed a $96 million opening weekend in 2021, but "Last Dance" faced stiff competition for viewers from a baseball World Series featuring the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers.
Tom Hardy again plays a disgruntled journalist who morphs into a terrifying alien with huge jagged teeth -- and what has been described as a Gene Simmons tongue -- in a cast that includes Chiwetel Ejiofor, Juno Temple and Rhys Ifans.
With Halloween only days away, meanwhile, Paramount's horror film "Smile 2" slipped just one spot from last weekend's opening, taking in $40.7 million, industry watcher Exhibitor Relations said Sunday. Naomi Scott plays a troubled pop star afflicted by a grim curse.
Third place went to the new religious thriller "Conclave" from FilmNation, with $6.5 million. Ralph Fiennes, playing a cardinal called on to "manage" the election of a new pope, finds himself caught in shadowy, back-stabbing intrigue while wrestling with questions of his own faith -- and ambition.
Stanley Tucci and John Lithgow play fellow cardinals, each with his own agenda, and Isabella Rossellini is a nun of steely countenance.
Analyst David A. Gross said the film, with "sensational critics' reviews," is well-positioned in the Oscars Best Picture race. Edward Berger ("All Quiet on the Western Front") directed the film, which is based on a Robert Harris thriller.
In fourth, down two spots, was Universal and DreamWorks Animation's "The Wild Robot," about a robot having to get along witih fuzzy woodland creatures after being stranded on a remote island. It took in $6.5 million.
And hanging steady in fifth was "We Live in Time," a romantic drama from StudioCanal, at $4.8 million. Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh star.
Rounding out the top 10 were:
"Terrifier 3" ($4.8 million)
"Beetlejuice Beetlejuice" ($3.2 million)
"Anora" ($867,000)
"Piece by Piece" ($720,000)
"Transformers One" ($720,000)
O.Johnson--AMWN