Although unable to beat its prequel, "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" with its US$158 Million box-office opening, "The Hunger Games: Mocking Jay Part 1" is still, by far, 2014's highest earning movie on its first day with a weekend gross of US$123 Million. Despite the US$35 Million difference, "Mocking Jay 1" was still able to defeat this years's former top-grosser, "Transformers: Age of Extinction" which made US$100 Million during its debut.

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The division of the book into 2 movies may prove to be a profitable case for the film's outfit, Lionsgate. David Spitz, Lionsgate's head of distribution, claimed the motion picture's potential after hitting the US$123 Million mark in North America alone. "It's the biggest opening of the year so it really illustrates the strength of the franchise," said Spitz. The movie paraded an even greater box-office scene worldwide as it accounted US$275 Million global premiere.

However, much controversy and drama have been haunting "Mocking Jay 1" since its release to theaters this week. In the face of the movie's success, Lionsgate's stocks plummeted to 5%, hence the speculation of profit purposes towards the movie's division. Spitz refused to address questions involving Wall Street's reaction on why the 3^rd book installment was split into 2. "It speaks for itself," said the Lionsgate magnate.

Paul Dergarabedian, Rentrak's senior media analyst, calls for a little perspective amidts the hullabaloo the movie is facing. He says "Mocking Jay 1" still proves to be an astounding and astonishing achievement. "I'm not worried about this franchise," he said.

To date, "Big Hero 6" comes in 2nd place at US$20.1 Million sales; "Interstellar" comes in at 3rd with US$15.1 Million; Jim Carrey's "Dumb and Dumber To" drops from the top to number 4 with US$13.8 Million; and "Gone Girl" takes the 5^th spot with US$2.8 Million sales. 

TagsThe Hunger Games, Hunger Games, Mocking Jay, Mocking Jay 1, Mocking Jay Part 1, The Hunger Games: Mocking Jay Part 1, box office hnger games