A UK debut gross of £4.12m compares with an opening salvo of £4.97m for Johnny English Reborn back in October 2011.
In a nice counter-programming move to Venom, Universal-released Johnny English Strikes Again, the third in the series featuring Rowan Atkinson’s bumbling spy.
The October half-term holiday is yet to come, and Johnny English Strikes Again should perform solidly throughout that period.
Venom began in the UK with £5.65m from 556 cinemas, and £8.03m including takings last Wednesday and Thursday.