Box office update: 'Gravity' brings in $12.7 million

Alfonso Cuaron’s space juggernaut, Gravity, held strong in the No. 1 spot this Friday, bringing in $12.7 million. That brings Gravity’s domestic haul to $91.9 million in its first eight days in theaters. The film is on target to accrue around $44 million in its sophomore weekend, guaranteeing it will break the $100 million mark by Saturday.

Though it couldn’t take the top spot, Sony’s $55 million thriller, Captain Phillips — based on the true story of a captain who protects his cargo ship crew when they’re attacked by Somali pirates — brought in a solid $8.5 million on Friday. Captain Phillips‘ star, Tom Hanks, should be pleased to break his recent streak of under-performing films at the box office that began with 2011’s Larry Crowne. Plenty of positive critical buzz sets the film on course for a debut weekend in the $25 million range.

The lone family film on the big screen, Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs 2, brought in $3.5 million on its third Friday in theaters. Less lucrative, was Robert Rodriguez’ Machete Kills, which pulled $1.4 million in its opening Friday, setting the film up for a $4 million opening frame. That’s significantly less than the original Machete’s $11.4 million opening weekend in 2010.

It continues to be a rough go for Runner Runner. The poker drama starring Ben Affleck and Justin Timberlake brought in just $1.15 million on Friday, putting it in the $3.5 million range for its second weekend in theaters. Space and sea are in; sequels and singers are out.

1. Gravity – $12.7 million

2. Captain Phillips – $8.5 million

3. Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs 2 – $3.5 million

4. Machete Kills – $1.4 million

5. Runner Runner – $1.15 million

Check back tomorrow for the full box office report.