LOS ANGELES, July 9 (UPI) -- "Fantastic Four" got off to a super-fast start at the U.S. box office, pulling in an estimated $20 million on its first day in release, Box Office Mojo said.
The entertainment Web site said the newest screen adaptation of a Marvel Comics favorite averaged $5,552 per screen at 3,602 locations.
Last week's box-office champion, "War of the Worlds," took in $9.1 million Friday, running its overall box-office take to $143.6 million.
Going into the weekend, analysts were projecting a close race for No. 1.
Daily Variety said most entertainment industry estimates expected "Fantastic Four" to slightly outdo "War of the Worlds" for the top spot this weekend. The Web site Box Office Guru projected "Fantastic Four" would take in $55 million by Sunday night.
The supernatural thriller "Dark Water" took in $4 million Friday, Box Office Mojo said.
"Batman Begins" was No. 4 Friday, adding $3 million to its overall gross, which now stands at an estimated $164.8 million.
