“Proving to be a late summer sleeper, The Illusionist summoned an estimated $8 million at 971 venues over the extended weekend, its first nationwide. Like Little Miss Sunshine, the $16 million period drama has maintained a high per theater average with each expansion, suggesting broad appeal and strong word-of-mouth, and, with a $12.1 million gross in 17 days, it has already exceeded the rosiest of expectations prior to opening. Producer Bob Yari will expand The Illusionist to around 1,400 theaters on Sept. 8.” — from Brandon Gray‘s “Box Office Mojo” report on 9.4.06.
