“Heaven Is for Real” became Hollywood’s fourth overtly faith-based hit of the year over the Easter weekend, taking in an estimated $21.5 million — double the dismal ticket sales that Johnny Depp mustered for his latest big-budget effort. But God still could not beat a superhero: The No. 1 movie at North American theaters was again “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” (Disney), which sold about $26.6 million in tickets, for a three-week domestic total of $201.5 million, according to Rentrak, which compiles box-office data.
The animated “Rio 2” (20th Century Fox) was second, taking in about $22.5 million, for a two-week total of $75.4 million. Then came “Heaven Is for Real” (Sony Pictures Entertainment), the best-performing new entry, with a total since opening on Thursday of $28.5 million. It cost $12 million to make and was backed with a grassroots marketing campaign that focused on churches as well as a more mainstream audience.
Religious movies have been hot at the box office this year in part because the current boomlet follows a drought. Studios also aim to lock in sales by church groups, resulting in an opening-weekend pop that can drive positive word of mouth, a crucial element of successful movie releases. “Heaven Is for Real” was also based on a best-selling book. The other three hits so far this year have been “Noah,” “Son of God” and “God’s Not Dead.” More religious movies are on the way, including Ridley Scott’s “Exodus: Gods and Kings,” which is scheduled for release in December.
For the weekend, Mr. Depp’s “Transcendence” (Warner Bros.), a science-fiction drama, had $11.2 million in ticket sales – a distant fourth-place arrival that extended a string of misfires for him. “Transcendence” was directed by Wally Pfister, a first-time filmmaker known for his cinematography work on Warner’s “Dark Knight” series. It cost an estimated $100 million and received overwhelmingly negative reviews. Fifth place went to the low-budget comedy horror sequel “A Haunted House 2” (Open Road), which took in about $9.1 million.