July 7th, 2003

The Terminator is back! Hollywood Reporter & Brian Fuson have reported that Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines brought in an estimated $44 million during the three-day July 4th holiday weekend and has amassed $72.5 million since its release on July 2nd. The Jonathan Mostow-directed film's five-day take makes it the fourth-largest opening weekend of all time for the holiday frame and easily topped the charts as the largest debut for an R-rated film during the holiday, beating its predecessor, "T2: Judgment Day" ($31.8 million). The film's take is the highest opening ever for an Arnold film.

"I think it's exciting -- we terminated the competition," said Andy Vajna, who produced "T3" along with Mario Kassar.

"T3" opened day-and-date in four international markets this weekend and grossed an estimated $3.8 million. It pulled in $3 million in Russia, with 252 prints -- the widest release ever in that country -- and is on track to be the second-biggest debut behind "Matrix Reloaded." Sony is distributing "T3" in most international markets.

Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines is now open nationwide.