‘The Wild Robot’ Commands U.K., Ireland Box Office

Universal’s animated newcomer “The Wild Robot” seized control of the U.K. and Ireland box office, launching to a robust £3.2 million ($4.2 million) in its debut frame, according to numbers from Comscore. The family-friendly feature led fresh releases that energized weekend ticket sales.

'Venom 3' Targets Franchise-Low $65 Million Opening Weekend

Paramount’s horror sequel “Smile 2” flashed into second place with £2 million in its opening weekend, while Studiocanal’s Dinald Trump film “The Apprentice” clocked in at third with £749,149.

Paramount’s “Transformers One” demonstrated staying power in its sophomore session, adding £639,554 to reach a cumulative total of £2.7 million. Signature Entertainment’s slasher entry “Terrifier 3” held steady at fifth, collecting £562,616 for a running cume of £2.2 million.

Warner Bros.’ “Joker: Folie à Deux” continued to dance at the box office in its third frame, conducting another £501,000 to waltz past £9.7 million in total receipts. The studio’s “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” showed remarkable legs in its seventh week, conjuring £469,407 to push its cumulative haul to £24.6 million.

Mubi’s “The Substance” maintained its grip on audiences in week five with £223,406, accumulating £3.1 million to date. Sony Pictures’ anime entry “My Hero Academia: You’re Next” bowed at ninth with £216,844. Rounding out the top 10, Royal Opera House’s “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” pirouetted to £147,702, bringing its two-week total to £563,579.

'Transformers One' Gets Digital Release, Sets Blu-ray/DVD Release Dates

The upcoming release slate kicks off Thursday with concert film “Tears for Fears Live (A Tipping Point Film)” from Trafalgar releasing. Friday brings a diverse array of releases headlined by Sony’s “Venom: The Last Dance,” starring Tom Hardy, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Juno Temple, set to unspool across more than 300 locations. Moore International Entertainment’s 4K restoration of John Carpenter’s “Halloween” targets horror fans with a 100-plus location release.

Anime fans can catch “Kizumonogatari: Koyomi Vamp” from Sony. Dreamz Entertainment rolls out Telugu-language action drama “Pottel” from India and ICA Cinema presents Berlinale-debuting drama “Matt and Mara.” Director Mati Diop’s Berlinale Golden Bear winner “Dahomey,” from Mubi, joins the frame alongside Universal’s horror-thriller “The Front Room.” Warner Bros. is opening Pedro Almodovar’s Venice-winning “The Room Next Door,” starring Julianne Moore and Tilda Swinton, across more than 100 locations.

The week’s slate rounds out with BFI Distribution’s 4K restoration of animated classic “Watership Down,” featuring the voices of John Hurt and Richard Briers, Dogwoof’s Sundance-debuting documentary “Black Box Diaries,” Warner Bros.’ 40th anniversary presentation of “A Nightmare on Elm Street,” and Miracle/Dazzler’s animated feature “Rebellious.”

'Smile 2' Leads Box Office With $23 Million Debut, A24's 'We Live in Time' Cracks Top Five