R-Rated Talking Bear Comedy Beats Male Stripper Movie at US Box Office

Well, that’s not a headline you read every weekend. Family Guy creator, Seth MacFarlane‘s directorial debut, Ted, grossed $54.1 million on its opening weekend in front of second placed Magic Mike, the Steven Soderbergh directed Channing Tatum stripper vehicle, with $39.16 million.

Ted’s opening places it as the third highest grossing opening weekend for an R-Rated comedy, behind The Hangover Part II and Sex & the City. Clearly moving it forward from its original, July 13th, date paid off. Magic Mike, also an R-Rated film, makes it three openings over $36 million for Channing Tatum (or C-Tates) so far this year. Apparently he’s a box office draw now. Considering his rather acclaimed turn in 21 Jump Street, maybe that isn’t such a bad thing. The opening is also director Soderbergh’s highest ever, slightly ahead of Ocean’s Twelve. Pixar’s Brave (reviewed, well, here) slipped to third place on its second weekend with $34.01. It hasn’t been a huge hit but is ahead of Cars 2, and set to reach at least $200 million.

Overall this was the highest grossing weekend ever for June. All that without a major tentpole release.