Box Office: ‘Venom’ Inhales Record $10 Million, ‘A Star Is Born’ Shines With $4.6 Million in Previews

Bradley CooperTom Hardy’s “Venom” earned an impressive $10 million at 3,543 North American locations on Thursday night — the top October number preview of all time.Lady Gaga’s musical drama “A Star Is Born” launched with a solid $4.6 million in previews, with $3.2 million on Thursday and $1.4 million for sneak showings on Tuesday and Wednesday.Sony’s “Venom,” starring Hardy as a fearsome anithero, is expanding Friday to 4,250 venues with expectations ranging from $55 million to $70 million for the weekend.

It’s likely to become the top October opener, besting the record set in 2013 by Alfonso Cuaron’s “Gravity” with $55.8 million.Sony is hoping “Venom” will launch a shared universe similar to Disney’s successful Marvel franchise.

Zombieland” director Ruben Fleischer helmed the film, which carries a lofty $100 million budget.

Hardy portrays Eddie Brock, a journalist bound to the alien entity known as Venom.

The cast also includes Michelle Williams, Riz Ahmed, and Jenny Slate.

Read full article