Estimates are in for Friday’s box office, and they indicate a robust return to the big screen for one of Disney’s most iconic features.  With a reported $8.8 million from 2,330 locations, the 3D re-issue of The Lion King is on track to win the weekend with $18 million.  That represents a significant jump from earlier projections, which had the family favorite taking in between $10 and $15 million.  In second place, Contagion took a relatively modest 42% hit entering its sophomore frame - putting it well ahead of the weekend’s three new titles.  Of those, Drive had the best showing with an estimated $4 million from 2,886 venues – though the film’s projected $10 million weekend would put it a bit below expectations.  Finally, Straw Dogs and I Don’t Know How She Does It fared about as well as anyone could expect on this low voltage weekend.  Neither newbie is expected to gross much more than $6 million by Sunday.  Details and analysis tomorrow.

Title

Friday

Total

1

The Lion King 3D

$8,800,000

$8.8

2

Contagion

$4,600,000

$34.3

3

Drive

$4,000,000

$4

4

Straw Dogs

$2,000,000

$2

5

The Help

$1,900,000

$142.8

6

I Don’t Know How She Does It

$1,600,000

$1.6