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Update: Trek earns $31M on first day; headed into orbit

Update: \<i\>Trek\<\/i\> earns $31M on first day; headed into orbit

J.J. Abrams' Star Trek blasted off beyond its core audience of Trekkies on Friday, raking in an estimated $31 million to give the studio its second-highest opening day ever at the box office for a live-action film, Variety reported.

Playing at 3,849 theaters, Star Trek ranked behind the first-day gross of Paramount's Iron Man, which made $38.7 million in its first day last May.

Thursday night preview screenings of J.J. Abrams' Star Trek grossed between $7 million and $8 million, the Los Angeles Times reported, citing an anonymous "knowledgeable industry source."

That's a better pace than the studio's Iron Man, which sold about $5 million in tickets on a comparable Thursday opening and went on to make $102.1 million by Sunday.

The newspaper points out that, given the franchise's devoted base of hard-core fans, sales for the earliest shows don't necessarily mean the movie will go on to be as big as Iron Man. But it's now looking very likely it will defy tracking data that suggested it would make between $65 million and $75 million.

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By Anthony at 6:20 PM ON 05/08/09

This is why the hardcore original series nut-huggers need to wake up...a great deal of them did not want a reboot type of movie. They did not want JJ in charge of a new movie. They would rather the next movie do worse then Nemesis but as long as none of the cannon was messed with they would be ok with Trek being gone again for the next 10 years or forever. This franchise needed a new start , and even with this new start for new fans and old alike , the movie makers did nothing huge to ruin any established cannon..new viewers did not need to know anything to go watch this movie as the cannon that is broached is all in this movie as a beginning. Now they can follow along should there be sequels and be totally up to date. The movie was fantastic , and the theater I was in last night? Overflowing with people and clapping and hollering and people having a good time. Bravo to JJ and the cast and crew.

By Justo at 6:24 PM ON 05/08/09

This movie was the best time I've had in a theatre since.... Jurassic Park? I know JP isn't that great, but as a kid it knocked my freaking socks off. Now I'm all growed up and this movie was like candy for me.

By Kevin at 6:39 PM ON 05/08/09

@Anthony... I was one of the people who didn't think a reboot was a good idea. I mean, JJ Abrams? Seriously? It's gonna suck. All flashy slash-cut action and nothing really like Trek.

However, I tried to remain open-minded, and I went into the film not expecting anything one way or another.

Let's just say I've seen it twice already, and I rank it right up there with the best Trek movies.

(In my town, the IMAX theater has been sold out for days, all through the weekend.)

Oh yeah, it's "canon" not "cannon." :)

By OzoneTX at 6:51 PM ON 05/08/09

I grew up watching TOS and this movie rocks. It doesn't detract from the original nor does it try to copy it. Similar to BSG & BSG2, but Trek keeps the characters much closer to TOS. I would love to say more but can't without spoilers....

By DirtyBadger at 6:52 PM ON 05/08/09

I was inducted into Star Trek 30 years ago when my mum took me as a five year old kid to see the motion picture. I have loved Star Trek in all it's forms for 30 years. I just saw the film tonight and I felt 5 again all over...the film is awesome and JJ Abrams for all his critics has created a film which has regenereated a previously decaying and slowly dying franchise, and looking at the $ figures will out perform the studios wildest dreams.
Star Trek is alive and I am happy to say that my 5 year old daughter can now grow up with Star Trek as part of her life.

A Very Proud Life Long Star Trek Fan!!!

By Grast at 6:53 PM ON 05/08/09

This movie is GREAT GREAT GREAT. I very well writen, paced, and a joy to watch. I believe the reboot is very successful. I already plan on seeing again. This time in IMAX format.

The space combat is wonderful. Respect was completely done to the series by JJ. In my opinion, He successfully created a new series which fits into cannon.

My only complaint is that Human culture is more inline with today than Roddenberry's more utopia version.

But this is minor complaint and not worth saying to not see the movie.

Later.

By jdmimic at 6:55 PM ON 05/08/09

@Kevin: Bravo! Glad to see that some people who were against the movie originally kept their minds open enough to give it a try and let themselves enjoy it. Your comments are about the best review I've seen yet of the movie. I will definitely be going to see the movie this weekend now. I was one of the "reserve judgement until I've seen it and try to ignore the changes to canon" group.

By Valar1 at 7:05 PM ON 05/08/09

I still can't believe that the way they wrote this movie, you get the jokes if you've never seen any Trek, you get more if you've seen some, but the most fun is to be had if you've been a life long fan- you notice stuff that just makes you smile throughout the flick. I can't believe the writers were talented enough to write a flick that is able to satisfy such a huge range of people. Are these really the guys that wrote Transformers?

By chawoott at 7:23 PM ON 05/08/09

I've not yet seen the movie, but I am encouraged by the comments so far on here!

But what horrified me is "Anthony's" comment, "Overflowing with people and clapping and hollering ..." Say what? Where was the theater management? Why weren't those folks thrown out? I don't pay big bucks for a ticket to hear someone not on the screen. I wonder if that's why "Kevin" had to go see it twice?

See you at the movies -- not hear you.

By Doyle at 7:25 PM ON 05/08/09

Seen it twice. Got tickets for a third watching.

By joe at 7:51 PM ON 05/08/09

i saw it today and its awesome! I am life long trekkie. I loved it even there is some changes that took me a while to adjust to. But such is life, go with the flow of the river or stay behind be forgotten and moaning about what was rather than seek out. sigh to the moaning fans out there, you are much like the 50's folks, blind to the changes. Star trek was the force of the 60's and people embrace it because it broke the mold of the 50's. Now the movie is doing the same.

By Ben at 8:53 PM ON 05/08/09

Yeah it is the team behind transformers (minus JJ). I saw the movie yesterday, and plan to see it once a week until it closes.

By dakalmog at 5:44 PM ON 05/09/09

This is a great movie - flawed, but great - and it *deserves* to make a lot of money. My wife and I are going to see it again next weekend with friends who are not Star Trek fans - they're very keen to see this film.

It's really pleasing to see someone other than the fans excited about Star Trek, which hasn't really happened since The Voyage Home.

By Captain Zacary R Wildstar Captain SSD Dexterous at 6:43 PM ON 05/09/09

wow! 31 million. Now I know the anwsre to that question Moms ask. "If your friend jumped off a bridge would you?" Divide 31 by $11 each and you know how many jumped today. The Plot has more hole that the bottom of the titanic. But I hope you liked the movie You paid and will pay for for years.

By shmuffin the wonder dog at 6:54 PM ON 05/09/09

Didn't a lot of you people say the same thing on the 11 WTF page. Has JJ effected your brain enough that you can't come up with anything new for a new comment page? A Question if I May, in the whole movie did they explore any new worlds? Did they seek out any new life or civilizations? After all Deep Deep Down Isn't that wath Trek Is and Is about?

By Celsto at 6:59 PM ON 05/09/09

As Anthony said: ..a great deal of them did not want a reboot type of movie.

the movie is not bad, but i would have wanted a movie after nemesis, so many possibilities...with Titan, Enterprise E or F, i like the idea of Star Trek: Section 31 as a movie and action-series

By Shaun at 7:09 PM ON 05/09/09

“This is a great movie - flawed, but great - and it *deserves* to make a lot of money. My wife and I are going to see it again next weekend with friends who are not Star Trek fans - they're very keen to see this film.”

yes, there were a few flaws; many of which have already been pointed out by fans and critics. i can accept some of the contrivances that take place in this film in order to get our heroes together. a huge “disaster” can sometimes necessitate unusual circumstances and outcomes. but all in all (considering the story as a whole), i thoroughly enjoyed this new version of star trek. my wife, who only started appreciating star trek once i got her to watch deep space nine, felt this was the perfect way to introduce star trek to a new generation of moviegoers who had never seen any of the previous series or films.

well done, mr. abrams!

By Znewell at 7:29 PM ON 05/09/09

So here's something I don't understand: there seem to be so many people that are so determined to hate this movie...both in the months leading up to it (before seeing it...) and now, that they think that anyone who did enjoy it is some kind of JJ groupie? Really?

I'm going to see this movie tomorrow and I really do expect to enjoy it based on the overwhelmingly positive reviews that I've seen from so many sensible people. And this is coming from someone who is not a big JJ fan...or apologist...or brainwash victim (I haven't really watched a lot of his stuff). I think many of those making such accusations were sounding off all over the internet for weeks about how this movie was going to suck. But now their egos have been damaged by how the majority of people, including longtime Star Trek fans, like it. I think they're coming up with any excuse they possibly can to save face. And you know, if you didn't like it, that's fine! You have your reasons and you definitely shouldn't like it just because most people do. I'm sure there are things that aren't good about the movie. But just because other people like it and have good things to say doesn't mean that they've "jumped off a bridge" or had their brains affected by JJ. That's just silly.

And a quick answer to shmuffin's question: I definitely agree that seeking out new worlds, life, and civilizations is important in Trek but many of the Trek movies don't focus on any of those: 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, and 10 had elements of those themes but they weren't really the focus...

Anyways, I get more excited about this movie every time I hear so many great positive comments like the ones earlier in the list! Can't wait to see it!

By Tom at 7:43 PM ON 05/09/09

Just saw the movie, and I can honestly say that it's a real blast. Action-packed, exciting, and funny in equal measures. This thing is one hundred percent genuine Trek. Yes, it has its faults, but that's just picking nits. This movie is simply a whole lot of *fun*!

By kolacek at 8:48 PM ON 05/09/09

Just saw it this morning, and quite frankly I must say that J.J. Abrams is a genius. I loved it, and I'm a 41 year-old dyed-in-the-wool old-schooler. Call it a re-boot, yes...but even the harshest critics have to know this was a blessing.

[Come on guys]

Gimme more.

By Lazlo at 9:50 PM ON 05/09/09

the movie ROCKS. I was a bit skeptical way back when it was first announced (or I heard of it, anyway), but the myriad of previews pretty much had me leaning towards the positive.

this may just be the best Trek movie ever. and it opens the possibilities for future episodes tremendously. thanks, JJ.

By Justo at 10:02 PM ON 05/09/09

Sounds great. I bet this movie will have legs too, it's just so damn good. I know people that thought/think Star Trek is just the lamest crap in the world and they wanna see it now after hearing from everyone how good it is.

By Qob at 10:13 PM ON 05/09/09

I knew I was a hard-core trekkie, but when I saw the name plate for "Admiral James Komack" and RECOGNIZED THE NAME OF A CHARACTER NEVER SEEN ON SCREEN, I knew I was hopeless. The movie rocked, I'll catch it againand buy the DVDs

By JUSTATHOUGHT at 10:45 PM ON 05/09/09

Just saw it and it kicked ass!It wasn't "old trek",which i love,but that's ok.The franchise has been evolving for over 40 years.This is just the next step.To all those "old school haters" out there I can only say,go see the movie and then tell me what you think.

By tee641 at 10:48 PM ON 05/09/09

This movie is not 4 hardcore or even casual trek fans...its for people who have no knoweledge of star trek.
It sucks and will make an initial splash with some big gross numbers but will quickly be shown to be so flawed that in the end most people will wish it was never made.

By tee641 at 10:53 PM ON 05/09/09

P.S.
I watched it twice Thursday and again Saturday to give it the benefit of doubt.
I have been a trek fan for years and a scifi fan just as long and my conclusion still stands "It Sucks".

By IsoTek at 11:49 PM ON 05/09/09

Well for me, I knew the movie was going to be well worth the wait. I was pleasantly surprised with all of the cast's acting abilities with one exception and that is not even worth mentioning it was such a great movie to behold. I think it had everything the old Trek was and alot the old Trek never had but I feel it was faithful to the franchise. I will definately be adding a few more dollars to the gross sales of the film in the coming days. I also commend my viewing audience. They kept the noise down to a dull hush and saved the applause until the end.

By JC at 12:47 AM ON 05/10/09

Saw it. Loved it. I'm a trekker from the beginning. I remember watching it when it first aired. The writers are brilliant in including things from the tv show, the movies all done in a seamless way. The explanation of things that don't jive with what we knew is perfectly sound. It's one movie that I too will be watching over and over.... Can't wait for the DVD and see what things got cut.

By Lando at 2:30 AM ON 05/10/09

Been following ST since 1970s reruns, and this movie was GREAT. I was the only one laughing at the inside jokes but oh well. Remember some suspension of belief... then the movie becomes even more fun.

By Lando at 2:38 AM ON 05/10/09

Oops, forgot to add... the movie just gets it with the characters...and the Klingons don't appear... but that is for later. And now if they can just get somebody to play another crazy guy , Lord Garth in all his glory with his sane love interest... gee, maybe Brad Pitt and ... nah, that would be too Hollywood. :) And, being Hispanic, just great that an another movie has an Hispanic actor as a heavy. All he needed to say was "fine Corinthian leather." Hey, if it keeps working (STWOK) then keep it coming. We, I, need more Trek.

By Ozwitch at 4:02 AM ON 05/10/09

Seen it twice. Even better second time round - I was blocking Quinto the first time, but he turned me right round and I have to admit I love his portrayal now and can see great possibilities for him and for Kirk.

Oh and whoever cast Bruce Greenwood as Pike, thank you and may you live in bliss. He is perfect. I wish we could see more of him - maybe Pike can become a sort of mentor Admiral for Kirk, Fleet commander or something - don't lose this guy!

Actually I liked the music a bit better on second viewing too - it suits the tone of the movie quite well. It's not Horner but I don't think that would have worked for this one.

Roll on No. 2.

By djb7490 at 5:52 AM ON 05/10/09

I being a life long Trek fan for over 35 yrs....I enjoyed this movie. JJ did a fantastic job and not to mention all the actors. I noticed there were alot of younger people seeing this movie and out in Trek outfits which surprised me. Congrats JJ and cant wait for the next one!

By Awesome Android at 7:18 AM ON 05/10/09

I LOVE the parallel reality factor. That Nero created an alternate reality when he killed George Kirk and taking it further when he destroyed the planet Vulcan. Some of my favorite Trek episodes involved Alternate realities. TOS' "The Alternative Factor" and TNG's "Parallels"! Great work J.J. and team. Bring on the number two!

By alex at 8:19 AM ON 05/10/09

Good greif!! Gee, could it be because ticket prices are at an all time high? Why do these folks think that gross earnings is a reliable measure for anything beyond movies opening this week?

According to a report a few years ago the most viewed movie of all time (Gone With The Wind) ISN'T THE TOP GROSSING. The 10 top grossing movies weren't even in the top 50 most viewed (measure by number of tickets sold over time) though they were in the top 100.

Give some news that's worthy of the bandwidth!!

By chuk_38 at 9:19 AM ON 05/10/09

Just WOW!

I am personally not offended by the idea that the best way forward for star trek, was by going back.

I loved the movie, and seriously look forward to where they will go for the new movies (which will undoubtedly go ahead). Yeah I loved star trek (being a voyager fan. Dont judge me!) But was never a fan of the original show, however now. I have big luvvage for this crew.

By Richard at 9:58 AM ON 05/10/09

Yes, there are a few plot points that have huge holes in them. But, IMHO, the movie mostly got the characters right, updated everything properly, and still kept the basic feel of Star Trek. My friends and I enjoyed the movie greatly. It had heart and was lots of fun. Warp Speed!

By Captain Zacary R Wildstar Captain SSD Dexterous at 11:21 AM ON 05/10/09

Just you wait, I'm going to be the first person to turn "having not seen Star Trek" into the marker for "loser."

I am turning a tiredsome but insistent blog position into a lifestyle. I RAWK (not)!

By Sadark at 12:36 PM ON 05/10/09

I went to see the movie yesterday. Relatively good, however, the action was so fast paced that sometimes the storyline moved faster than where you expected it to be. Karl Urban did a fantastic Dr. McCoy, right on the money. Chris Pine has the Capt. Kirk attitude down. Zachary Quinto's performance, I am still thinking about. It was Spock as we knew him, yet it wasn't. And despite the fact that he is supposed to be younger, it still didn't seem like Spock to me. Chekhov had more of a role and showed himself to be a genius, very good. Sulu scene with swords was excellent. Scotty is very funny. Still deciding on the whole though.

By ZeroNero at 12:57 PM ON 05/10/09

The TOS cannon thumpers should just accept this rebooted Star Trek as an "alternate reality." I am casual fan of Star Trek and rate this Star Trek in my top three Trek films.

By Captain Zacary R Wildstar Captain SSD Dexterous at 1:50 PM ON 05/10/09

By Captain Zacary R Wildstar Captain SSD Dexterous at 11:21 AM ON 05/10/09. i dont mind you using my name,(it helps me get more readers in my fanfiction I write.) i'm sorry you wont use your own. Perhaps who ever wrote this in my name is affraid to use there own. But I will assure you every story i publish is fact checked unlike what Ihave read anout Star Trek 1: Abrams Folly. PLease enjoy the movie while you can. However for Really Great Star Trek I sugges "City on the Edge of Forever, Amok time, Best of both worlds Pt 1&2, the last 7 episodes of DS-9, Endgame (Voyager Because unlike any other SciFi Show in History A Lost Ship Got Home) and last but not lease Any Star Trek Book Written By Peter David Who after writing Star Trek for almost 20 years has Yet to make 1 mistake about the star trek 43 year old universe. As for my life and it's style. You are welcomed to it. My life as A Dialysis patient make me welcome death every day. So who ever you are Please do me me I Dare You.

By Informed Misery at 2:34 PM ON 05/10/09

Just because a movie makes a lot of money doesn't mean it's a great. film. And this wasn't a great movie.

By Requiem1971 at 2:50 PM ON 05/10/09

Just saw the movie yesterday and I must say AWSOME! I love Trek, but started having that not so good feeling about some aspects. But when I sat in on an early Saturday showing, I was taken. The new ship really looked good and fits in this new epic feel of Trek. FINALLY—an epic feel for Trek. One of my fav scenes was Enterprise rising up from a planet’s gaseous atmosphere and having the gasses cascade off the sides of the saucer of the ship. Great effects. The new Spoke was virtually the same as the old, only he had more of a problem in controlling his emotions than the Spoke we knew. And to see Kirk foil the Kobayashi Maru finally answers the scene of TSFS when Spoke comments to Kirk that his 3rd attempt at the No-Win scenario was…unique.

By Requiem1971 at 2:55 PM ON 05/10/09

Sorry... I ment Spock and not Spoke.

By warmhoneybrown at 5:19 PM ON 05/10/09

OMG!!! I saw the movie last night. It was great. The cast, special affects, everything was wonderful. This is NOT the startrek we're used to and i'm happy for the change. I plan to see the movie like 5 more times, I'll never ever ever be tired of it!!!!

Zack Qinto IS the new Spock! I know that I'm probably going to be labled a traitor and a blastphemer to all those devoted to Mr. Nemoy, but... the torch as been passed to a much hotter guy!!

By iliayako at 7:10 PM ON 05/10/09

Just for the record - I am a "die hard" Trekkie. I LOVE this movie. I've seen it twice and plan to see it every weekend for as long as it runs. This is a movie that brings in new fans and definitely pleases the "old" fans. May this movie and the Star Trek franchise live long and prosper.

By Requiem1971 at 1:42 AM ON 05/11/09

Just a note, perhaps an observation: I know there is a difference between a field commission and duty commission such that just because Kirk is called Captain and soforth does not necessarly mean that his actual Star Fleet rank was Captain. In fact, they played loose with actual ranks in this movie, a slite little nit that I easily overlooked. But guess I'll see more of what is to come with the next movie.

By Requiem1971 at 1:58 AM ON 05/11/09

Moreover, when Capt. Pike was leaving the Enterprise to go over to the Neranda, he gave the ship to Spock and told Kirk that he was first officer. Pike did this because he knew the roots of Kirk and about his dad and so forth... maybe you can say he knew Kirk’s character. When Acting Captain Spock has to relieve himself from duty, Kirk... who was made first officer by Pike, became Captain of Enterprise. SO my friends, I ponder again what his actual duty rank was and what it will be by the next movie. We all know that when a Cadet graduates, they, under normal circumstances, are not given the rank of Captain. Historically factual, a military officer with the rank of Ensign can be the Captain of a small boat. Either way… I for one can't wait to see how they make since of this.

By T-dog at 2:00 AM ON 05/11/09

Wildstar. You need help, plain and simple. You are a perfect example of why Star Trek died prior to this movie. Your so blind to what Trek became that your incoherent babble is now making you look dumb.

I have been a trek fan since the series came out in 1966. This movie is not going to destroy Trek. It is going to rebuild it. People like you who hold onto the same things that buried Star Trek a few years ago will be the ones that destroy Trek. Not us.

Stop talking and go back to your plastic phaser and tri-corder. Because it is obvious what you have to say isn't impacting everyones views on the movie.

Just like me they all loved the movie and are getting ready to see it again. Just like I said a week or so ago to you. "It will be a box office hit. And you will live to regret your words." I was wrong on one point. You can never live to regret when you are in denial.

Thank you JJ for a great movie and phenominal entertainment.

By Dreugan at 8:14 PM ON 05/11/09

Tee641: I agree with the others - you said the movie was bad - yet you PAY again to see it. huh??????
Requiem: Did you see the ending? when Kirk relieved Admiral Pike of command of the Enterprise. Then Kirk taking the Captain chair of the Enterprise and Kirk accepting Spock as a 1st officer?

I don't think you have to wait for the next movie to figure out how it will go...

By Keeper53 at 7:30 PM ON 05/12/09

From what I have read about this movie, my comment will NOT be favorable. I know several of the plot threads of this movie, and it SEVERELY shreds established continuity. No mention is made of Kirk's brother, G.S. Kirk Jr., or of the first captain of the Enterprise, Captain Robert April, that the Enterprise was commissioned in 2245, that Amanda died sometime in the 24th Century, as Sarek was married to another human, Perrin in 2370. I could go on.
Abrams should have done better. He had excellent material to work with. This franchise may have been showing its age before, this movie made it serious;y ill.
Maybe next time, hopefully.

By Son of a Maui Portagee at 11:19 PM ON 05/12/09

Truth, TCMcQueen, & BlakOpal

There's a loud and vocal faction on these boards that believe no one has the right to criticize a movie until they've actually seen it. I don't adhere to their philosophy, myself but it would seem that under it tee641 has more than earned the right to blast the movie in their eyes.

It has been an education watching them rush to tee641's defense.

Thanks for the lesson.


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