’10 Cloverfield Lane’ opens well, but ‘Zootopia’ roars

This image released by Paramount Pictures shows Mary Elizabeth Winstead, left, and John Goodman in a scene from the film, "10 Cloverfield Lane." (Michele K. Short/Paramount Pictures via AP)

NEW YORK (AP) — The J.J. Abrams-produced “10 Cloverfield Lane” capitalized on a mysterious marketing campaign to debut with a better-than-expected $25.2 million over the weekend, though the Disney animated hit “Zootopia” stayed on top with $50 million.

This image released by Disney shows Mayor Lionheart, voiced by J.K. Simmons, left, and Assistant Mayor Bellwether, voiced by Jenny Slate, in a scene from the animated film, "Zootopia." (Disney via AP)

This image released by Disney shows Mayor Lionheart, voiced by J.K. Simmons, left, and Assistant Mayor Bellwether, voiced by Jenny Slate, in a scene from “Zootopia.” (Disney via AP)

The second-straight No. 1 weekend came easily for “Zootopia,” which slid a mere 33 percent, according to studio estimates Sunday. The monster movie “10 Cloverfield Lane,” a so-called “spiritual successor” to 2008’s found-footage hit “Cloverfield,” also performed well, boosted by positive reviews.

But Sacha Baron Cohen’s “Brothers Grimsby” flopped with only $3.2 million, a career low debut at the box office for the British comedian by a wide margin. Perhaps sensing trouble, Sony Pictures had postponed the release date of the R-rated comedy numerous times.