"X-Men: First Class" banked a strong $3.4 million in midnight showings, according to studio estimates.
The latest in the mega-grossing mutant franchise bested other superhero films such as "Thor," which drew $3.25 million in its midnight screenings last month.
Also read: "X-Men: First Class:" Did Fox Breathe Life Into a Tired Superhero Franchise?
The well-reviewed sequel is on pace to breach the $60 million mark this weekend.
It screened last night in 1,783 locations and will move into 3,641 theaters starting on Friday.
"First Class" was shot for around $160 million with the help of co-financers Dune Capital Management and Ingenious Media. Thanks to good notices and buzz, the film has managed to reverse its sluggish early tracking.
