In the USA, Bekmambetov's film beat Avatar at the box office

Last weekend, Timur Bekmambetov's film Mercy unexpectedly surpassed James Cameron's Avatar: Flame and Ashes at the box office in the United States. This success is notable because it was achieved against the backdrop of a severe snowstorm that led to the closure of many cinemas across the country. This was reported on January 25 by Variety.

Chris Pratt's North American sci-fi action film Mercy grossed $11.2 million, which was enough to end the five—week reign of heavyweight James Cameron's Avatar: Flame and Ashes.

According to the publication, the film "Mercy" was expected to earn $12 million over the weekend, but this forecast was adjusted downward due to the spread of the storm. The international rental also failed to meet expectations, bringing in only $11.6 million from 80 markets, despite the lack of weather justifications. Total fees reached $22.8 million.

Frosty gaps: abnormal cold weather has arrived in most of Russia

And in Chukotka and Yakutia, the temperature will be 25 degrees above normal.

On January 24, the American authorities warned of heavy snowfalls and a sharp drop in temperature. US President Donald Trump said that emergency services have been put on high alert.

On the same day, 14 US states and the District of Columbia declared a state of emergency due to the impending extreme cold and heavy snowfall. It is noted that an emergency has been declared in a wide area from Texas to New York State due to a powerful storm that is expected to hit the country over the weekend. In some areas, a sharp drop in temperature is predicted well below zero, which can trigger rare natural phenomena, including the destruction of trees due to severe frosts.

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