It’s now ranked as the filmmaker’s fourth biggest opening weekend, behind only The Dark Knight Rises ($160.8 million), The Dark Knight ($158.4 million), and Inception ($62.8 million).
While initial estimates had suggested that Dunkirk would only make about $40 million in its opening frame, the latest feature from Christopher Nolan managed to exceed expectations and pulled in a surprising $50.5 million in its first three days.
There was question regarding whether or not American audiences would respond to a World War II movie set prior to the U.S.’ involvement in the international conflict, but it seems that Nolan’s reputation was enough to get butts into the seats.