'The Conjuring' earns $100M at the domestic box office

BURBANK, Calif., Aug. 5 (UPI) -- The critically acclaimed supernatural thriller "The Conjuring" surpassed $100 million at the North American box office during its third weekend in theaters.

The milestone was announced Sunday by Dan Fellman, president of domestic distribution for Warner Bros. Pictures.

Director James Wan's low-budget film crossed the $100 million mark this past Saturday and the movie has earned an estimated $108.6 million domestically to date. The international total, thus far, is an estimated $28.6 million, with many major markets yet to open, including France, Italy, Belgium, Holland and Mexico.

"James Wan has created a film that stays with moviegoers long after they leave the theater, resulting in terrific word-of-mouth that should carry it through the rest of the summer," Fellman said in a statement. "Surrounded by tent-pole summer movies, 'The Conjuring' has become the must-see film of the season."

"'The Conjuring' is performing beyond all expectations, breaking barriers as not just a great genre film, but a great film of any genre," said Sue Kroll, president of worldwide marketing and international distribution for Warner Bros. Pictures.

"The phenomenal results in the U.S. are also starting to be seen globally as 'The Conjuring' expands its reach, with tremendous worldwide potential," she said. "We congratulate James Wan, the remarkable cast and everyone involved in the film."

Based on a true story, "The Conjuring" is about paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, who were called upon to help a family terrorized by a dark presence in a secluded farmhouse. The film stars Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson as the Warrens, and Ron Livingston and Lili Taylor as Roger and Carolyn Perron, residents of the house.