Big Opening For Passion

by Mashelle Kirkman · Published February 26, 2004 · Updated

Mel Gibson’s The Passion of The Christ earned an impressive $26.6 million Wednesday. The figure includes $3 million from special screenings of the film on Monday and Tuesday.

“Passion” now marks the third-biggest Wednesday opening ever and the largest for a non-sequel. Only The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King ($34.5 million) and Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace ($28.5 million) had bigger Wednesday openings. It is also the only one of the three to be R-rated.

Considering Gibson put up the $25 mil for the film, I don’t think he has anything to worry about. He will definetly get all of his money back.