(NEWSnet/AP) — Alex Garland’s “Civil War” drew $25.7 million in movie ticket sales in North America, according to studio estimates Sunday.

“Civil War” unseated “Godzilla x Kong” from the No. 1 spot.

It’s the biggest R-rated opening so far in 2024, and a record for A24.

“Civil War,” stars Kirsten Dunst, Wagner Moura and Cailee Spaeny as journalists in a near-future. The story imagines a U.S. in which California and Texas have united against a president who disbanded the FBI and gives himself a third term.

Going into the weekend, projections pegged the film to debut in the $15 million to $24 million range. The film opened on 3,838 screens in the U.S. and Canada, including IMAX. It’s the most expensive movie the studio has made, with a production budget of $50 million. That does not account for millions spent on marketing and promotion.

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