'Terminator' earns $13.3M on opening night

LOS ANGELES, May 23 (UPI) -- The domestic box office numbers for the new U.S. film "Terminator Salvation" indicate the action film earned $13.3 million on its opening night.

The Hollywood Reporter said Friday the Warner Bros. film enjoyed a successful first night of release Thursday in advance of its first weekend in U.S. theaters.

The box office tally for the film, which is the fourth film in the "Terminator" franchise, included more than $3 million earned during midnight Wednesday screenings.

Experts have predicted the action film, which stars actor Christian Bale, could earn up to $70 million during the Memorial Day weekend.

The film from director McG could face stiff competition from fellow new release, "Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian," which is expected to earn up to $50 million during the three-day holiday weekend.

The Reporter said "Salvation" is scheduled to open in most foreign theaters in two weeks. The film's international distribution rights are owned by Sony Pictures.