'Avengers' sequel is second biggest US opener of all time
By Associated Press
May 3, 2015 10:48 AM CDT
This photo provided by Disney/Marvel shows, Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man/Tony Stark in the film, "Avengers: Age Of Ultron." The movie releases in U.S. theaters on May 1, 2015. (Jay Maidment/Disney/Marvel via AP)   (Associated Press)

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The "Avengers" sequel has failed to top the record opening weekend of the first film. "Avengers: Age of Ultron" grossed a staggering $187.7 million in its first three days in theaters according to Disney estimates on Sunday, but it is a far cry from the first film's $207.4 million debut in 2012.

Although "Ultron" was the only new film in wide release this weekend, it had some significant small screen competition too: The Kentucky Derby, the NBA playoffs, and the Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao fight.

Numbers could shift by the time Monday actuals roll in, but it seems the robust counter-programming may have blockaded a new record for Marvel and Disney.

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