New 'Star Trek' movie opens big

LOS ANGELES, May 9 (UPI) -- "Star Trek," the 11th movie based on the '60s TV series, took in $31 million on its U.S. opening day, one of Paramount's biggest openings ever, analysts said.

Only "Iron Man," which grossed $38.7 million in its 2008 opening, has done better for Paramount Pictures, Variety reported Saturday. The "Star Trek" total included $7 million in tickets for previews Thursday evening.

The movie opened at 3,849 North American theaters Friday.

"Star Trek," directed by J.J. Abrams, takes the franchise back to its origins with Capt. James T. Kirk, Spock, Dr. Leonard McCoy and other members of the crew of the first starship Enterprise meeting at Starfleet Academy. The movie also features an appearance by Leonard Nimoy, who played Spock in the TV series and several of the 10 feature films based on it.

The first series ran for only three years, from 1966 to 1969, but spawned one of the most successful entertainment franchises ever, including an animated series, four more live-action series and the feature films.