Box office: Iron Man 3 huge debut

WEAKEND BOX OFFICE: Like the music business, the movie biz now has a 2013 blockbuster to celebrate. Iron Man 3 had the second-biggest debut ever with $175.3 million, behind only the $207.4 million start for The Avengers last year. That film teamed Robert Downey Jr.’s character with other Marvel heroes. Breaking down the numbers, the Disney film averaged a jaw-dropping $41,218 in 4,253 theaters. The third edition of the franchise far outstripped the debuts of 2008’s Iron Man ($98.6m) and 2010's Iron Man 2 ($128.1m). Opening a week earlier overseas, Iron Man 3 has already grossed $504.8 million internationally, giving it a worldwide total of a staggering $680.1 million. By contrast, Iron Man 2 took in $312 million internationally during its entire run. The weekend’s #2 movie, Paramount’s Pain and Gain, earned $7.6m in its second weekend, averaging $2,312 on 3,287 screens. The second highest average take was registered by #7 Mud (Roadside Attractions) in limited release, with $3,733 in 576 theaters for a total of $2.15m. Iron Man 3 was that dominant. (5/6a)