'Amazing Spider-Man' bests 'Transformers' with record $35M opening

Columbia Pictures

"The Amazing Spider-Man."

Marc Webb's 3-D superhero tentpole "The Amazing Spider-Man" set off early July 4th fireworks at the domestic box office.

The $220 million Sony reboot -- looking to relaunch the franchise by going back to the beginning with a new cast -- nabbed the top opening for a Tuesday with roughly $35 million, eclipsing the $27.9 million debut of "Transformers" on the same Tuesday in 2007.

In more good news for Sony, "Spider-Man" received an A- CinemaScore, and an A from moviegoers under the age of 18.

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As one Sony executive put it, "we are off to an outstanding start here in North America with big fireworks still to come!"

"Spider-Man," starring Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone, is being helped at the box office by the upcharge for a 3-D ticket and is doing big business in Imax theaters, the favorite venue of fanboys. Roughly 300 Imax theaters contributed $4 million to the $35 million booty.

Estimates vary in terms of how much "Spider-Man" will earn in its six-day debut. Bullish observers believe it could earn $120 million to $140 million. "Transformers" grossed $155.4 million in its six-day debut after opening on Tuesday, although it grossed $8.8 million in advance Monday night shows and a total of $13.5 million including midnight runs.

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"Spider-Man's" opening day gross included $7.5 million in Monday midnight earnings.

The tentpole, also starring Martin Sheen, Denis Leary and Sally Fields, is off to a stellar start overseas, where it debuted to $50 million last weekend in only 11 territories.

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