Los Angeles (AFP)

The film "Fast and Furious 9", which got off to a flying start last week, topped the North American box office this weekend, grossing $ 23.8 million, according to the figures provisional published Sunday by a specialized firm.

That sum, which corresponds to the first three days of the extended US National Day weekend, is down sharply from the $ 70 million accumulated last weekend, according to estimates by Exhibitor Relations.

The new installment in the "Fast and Furious" franchise, starring actors Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez and John Cena has overtaken two other films produced, like it, by Universal Studios.

“Boss Baby 2: A Family Affair” came in second with $ 17.3 million.

This animated film, which follows the box "Baby Boss" released four years ago, tells the story of a "baby boss" who leaves no one indifferent, with the voices of Alec Baldwin, Eva Longoria, Lisa Kudrow, Jimmy Kimmel and Jeff Goldblum.

The third position went to the horror film "American Nightmare 5: Without Limits", fifth and final episode of the "American Nightmare" saga.

The film, notably worn by Ana de la Reguera and Tenoch Huerta, grossed $ 12.8 million.

It takes place in a dystopian future where all crimes, including murder, are legalized one day a year.

Paramount Studios' "Without a Sound 2" came in fourth with $ 4.2 million.

This is the first time that this horror film directed by John Krasinski has made it to the top 2, since its release six weeks ago.

It is followed by the comedy "Hitman and Bodyguard 2" starring Ryan Reynolds, Samuel Jackson and Salma Hayek, which grossed $ 3 million.

While Hollywood is barely recovering from the devastating Covid-19 pandemic, studios have yet to release their full set of summer blockbusters.

The combined $ 70.7 million in revenue from the first 12 films this weekend is less than half of the usual revenue from the previous 4-July weekends.

Among the ten best scores, we also find:

"Cruella" ($ 2.6 million)

"Peter Rabbit 2" ($ 2.3 million)

"Conjuring 3: Under the Devil's grip" ($ 1.3 million)

"Where we come from" ($ 1.3 million)

"Zola" ($ 1.2 million)

© 2021 AFP