Superhero flick "The Wolverine," starring Hugh Jackman, had a strong opening night, earning $4 million in Thursday evening showings, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
The movie, which is part of the X-Men series and serves as the sequel to the 2009 spinoff "X-Men Origins: Wolverine," beat out fellow big-budget action film "World War Z," which earned only $3.6 million in its Thursday night opening earlier this summer.
"The Wolverine" has received mixed reviews for its plot, which centers on Jackman's character, Logan. In the film, Logan, who has turned his back on the super powers that gave him his identity, must re-embrace them when a man he once saved asks for immortality, and begs him to protect his granddaughter.
Jackman on the other hand, is receiving tons of praise for his performance.
"This latest venture reminds us how fortunate we are to have a capable, committed actor who exudes masculinity in the title role," wrote the Los Angeles Times' Kenneth Turan.
In a recent interview, Jackman spoke about his commitment to the role, not only on set, but at home too.
"Oh my God, it's dreadful. Always with the claws," joked Jackman's wife Deborra-Lee Furness about her husband's tendency to wear his wolverine costume around the house. "I'm like 'Mix the salad. Put them to good use! Come on!'"
"The sheets we go through...," Jackman added, teasing and eluding to costumed sexual escapades in the interview with the Sun.
Jackman also talked about his passion for the role in a recent interview with Fox News.
"I love this part," he said. "I've been around long enough in this business to know great parts like this don't come along very often and as long as the part continues to grow and the reason for doing is there and that continues to grow, and let's face it, that the audience still wants to see it, I don't see any reason to give it up. I'm having more fun now than ever."
