SUBMITTED BY Timbo

November 7, 2003 — "The Matrix Revolutions" grossed $24.3 million on its opening day Wednesday, a tidy sum, but not as much as what "Matrix Reloaded" reaped in its opening (approximately $42.5 million, counting late-night Wed and Thurs together).

Dan Fellman, Warner Bros. head of U.S. distribution, dismissed the notion that some viewers may be less enthusiastic about the franchise after "Reloaded," which scored poorly with critics and many fans.

"These are staggering numbers," Fellman said. "If you talk to any large theater operator they're totally out of their minds with joy."

"Revolutions" also collected $18.8 million internationally after staging the widest simultaneous release for a single film by opening in an unprecedented 18,000 screens around the world at the same hour (9 a.m. ET), according to Variety. Part of the studio's worldwide effort was to combat piracy.

"Revolutions" also ranked as the third best Wednesday debut for a movie, behind $28.5 million for 1999's "Star Wars: Episode I  The Phantom Menace" and $26.1 million for last year's "The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers."

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