Dark Knight Debuts at Around $160M

The Dark Knight Rises no doubt ruled the weekend box office, but by how much? Major studios are keeping official estimates under wraps after the Dark Knight massacre, but Hollywood sources estimate a slightly disappointing $160 million debut (audience surveys had indicated up to $200 million). But put that in perspective: Only two films, The Avengers and the final Harry Potter movie, have had better bows, and they were both 3-D.

How badly the tragedy affected ticket sales is unclear, the LA Times reports. Warner Bros. did cancel red carpet premieres in Paris, Mexico City, and Tokyo, but few theater chains canceled Dark Knight screenings this weekend. In other Dark Knight news, CBS News reports that Anne Hathaway has released a statement saying that her "heart aches and breaks for the lives taken and altered by this unfathomably senseless act. I am at a loss for words how to express my sorrow." (More The Dark Knight Rises stories.)