Disney’s (DIS) “Finding Dory” Hit A New Record

It wasn’t just parents and children hitting the theaters this weekend for “Finding Dory.” The numbers these past few days, show just how big the Pixar film is for all fans.

After a stronger than expected debut this weekend, “Finding Dory” is now the highest grossing animated debut of all time. The sequel, which came 13 years after “Finding Nemo,” is also the second-largest June opening of all time, with “Jurassic World” at No. 1.

The Pixar sequel opened this weekend and took in $136.2 million in North American theaters. The previous record holder was 2007’s “Shrek the Third,” which debuted with $121.6 million.

Analysts had expected “Finding Dory” to draw in $100 million-plus numbers, but not this big.

Paul Dergarabedian, comScore’s senior media analyst commented, “That’s the power of the Pixar brand.”

“The thought was: ‘Could this be the movie to eclipse “Toy Story 3’s” opening?’ not, ‘Could it become the biggest animated opening of all time?”

“Toy Story 3” was Pixar’s biggest opening ever, with $110.3 million.

Disney Executive Vice President of Distribution Dave Hollis commented, “That’s really a testament to this being a picture for everyone — not just for families,” Hollis said.

Disclaimer: We have no position in Walt Disney Co. (NYSE: DIS) and have not been compensated for this article.