Tom Cruise/Cameron Diaz starrer off to good start

By ANDREW STEWART

wentieth Century Fox’s action caper “Knight and Day” scored an estimated $3.8 million Wednesday at 3,043 locations, repping a solid jump start for the Tom Cruise-Cameron Diaz starrer.

Fox said it hopes word of mouth, coupled with last weekend’s sneaks, will translate through the weekend among older auds. Wednesday’s figures rep a considerable start for “Knight” given that the film’s targeted adult demo typically shy away from mid-week screenings.

Still, comparable adult summer titles released on Wednesday, including last year’s R-rated Universal pic “Public Enemies,” earned $8.2 million opening day. Paramount-DreamWorks’ “Tropic Thunder,” in which Cruise appeared in a cameo role, debuted with $6.5 million in August 2008. Opening three-day totals for “Public Enemies” reached a muted $25.3 million, while “Tropic Thunder” grossed $25.8 million during its inaugural frame.

Overseas prospects for “Knight” look promising as Cruise usually draws top coin in some major markets. Pic launched day and date with the U.S. in 12 markets, including Russia and South Korea.

“Knight” will expand to some 50 more Stateside engagements Friday when it will compete for adult auds with Sony’s wide release “Grown Ups,” which launches at 3,533.

Source: Variety