'Hunger Games' starts off with $19.74M

LOS ANGELES, March 23 (UPI) -- Lionsgate says its young-adult survival tale "The Hunger Games" earned $19.74M at midnight screenings Thursday into Friday in North America.

The Hollywood Reporter said the big-screen adaptation of Suzanne Collins' blockbuster novel had the biggest non-sequel midnight opening ever. The movie stars Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth.

Experts estimate the movie's premiere-weekend take could be $130 million to $140 million, making it the biggest March opener of all time, the entertainment industry trade newspaper said.