LOS ANGELES – Universal’s “F9: The Fast Saga” remained at top speed over the weekend, earning an estimated $23.8 million to hold its lead in North American box offices, industry watcher Exhibitor Relations reported Sunday.
That total, covering just the first three days of the four-day July 4 holiday weekend, was down sharply from the zoom-bang-bam action film’s opening total of $70 million.
Still, this ninth installment in the “Fast and Furious” franchise — starring Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez and John Cena — fended off two strong new challengers. In fact, Universal pulled off a rare hat trick, dominating all three top box-office spots.
That studio’s animated …
Keep on reading: ‘F9’ stays atop box office as Universal manages rare hat trick