'Black Panther' off to a roaring start at box office

A wave of feverish anticipation, fawning critical acclaim and groundbreaking cultural significance pushed "Black Panther" to a record-setting $192 million debut in U.S. and Canada theaters, firmly establishing the superhero sensation as a box-office landmark.

The Marvel film from the Walt Disney Co. blew past expectations to become the fifth highest-grossing debut ever, not adjusting for inflation, following only "Star Wars: The Force Awakens," "Star Wars: The Last Jedi," "Jurassic World" and "The Avengers."

In estimates Sunday, Disney predicted a four-day holiday weekend of $218 million domestically and a global debut of $361 million.

Though the film's international footprint doesn't include several of the largest markets — China, Russia and Japan — it still ranks among the top 15 global debuts ever.

Ryan Coogler's film, which cost about $200 million to make, is the most expensive movie with a largely black ensemble and among the few to be centered on a black superhero.

Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters:

1. "Black Panther," $192 million.

3. "Fifty Shades Freed," $16.9 million.

4. "Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle," $7.9 million.

5. "The 15:17 to Paris," $7.7 million.

6. "The Greatest Showman," $5.1 million.

7. "Early Man," $3.2 million.

9. "Winchester," $2.2 million.

10. "Samson," $2 million.