Maytime Derby

Mr. Depp and company might be under-performing domestically.

... Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides is looking to open with only $35 million from 4,155 theaters. And that's helped by $4.7M in midnight screenings and higher 3D ticket prices ...

Then again, it might pick up today .... opened well abroad ... and cost less than Number three. So weep not for the Mouse ...

Meantime, Rio, the only animated feature in the Top Ten, flaps along in 7th place.

7. Rio 3D (Blue Sky Studio/Fox) Week 6 [2,593 Theaters] Friday $1.1M, Estimated Weekend $5.6M, Estimated Cume $132.6M

The flock of South American birds currently has a world accumulation of $435 million as it makes its way toward the half billion dollar mark.

Add On: Yep, Pirates accumulated $35 million on Friday. Sooo ...

... The big question now is whether the Johnny Depp tentpole can eclipse Universal’s Fast Five to score the best domestic opening of the year. Disney is still hoping to reach $90 million, but has lowered its weekend estimate to $87-$89 million ...