LOS ANGELES – Harry Potter spinoff “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” cast a spell over audiences, summoning $75 million according to studio estimates Sunday and unseating “Doctor Strange” from the top spot.
The success of the J.K. Rowling creation is a promising kick-off for the planned five film franchise, but it didn’t leave much room for other wide releases to find their footing this weekend.
READ MORE: ‘Harry Potter’ spin-off movie to be first in a series
Ang Lee’s ambitious wartime drama “Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk” tanked in its expansion from four to 1,176 theatres with a mere $930,000. The film cost a reported $40 million to produce.
Other more modestly budgeted films also struggled, including the R-rated high school comedy “The Edge of Seventeen,” which earned $4.8 million, and the boxing drama “Bleed for This,” which took in $2.4 million.
WATCH: Movie Reviews: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them & The Edge of Seventeen