Cinderella tops US box office

A new live-action version of “Cinderella” has become the latest jewel in Disney's crown after it topped the US box office in its first week of release.

The film -- directed by Sir Kenneth Branagh and starring Lily James and Richard Madden, earned $70.1m over the weekend. The success replicates that of previous Disney live-action films, including “Maleficent”.

Liam Neeson saw his star falter with “Run All Night” making just $11m.  The New York crime saga, co-starring Ed Harris, marked the weakest debut weekend for Neeson as an action film lead.

“Cinderella” follows the box office lead of “Into the Woods”, based on the Stephen Sondheim musical. Live-action Disney adaptations of “The Jungle Book”, “Beauty and the Beast” and “Dumbo” are all on the way. A sequel to Tim Burton's “Alice in Wonderland” is also due to be released next year.

This year will also see Disney releases “The Avengers: Age of Ultron” and “Star Wars: The Force Awakens”.

Source: BBC