Already a summer blockbuster, “Iron Man” grossed $100.8 million, per studio estimates compiled by Exhibitor Relations Co., making the film second only to “Spider-Man” for comic-book movie debuts. The estimate, however, does not include the movie’s Thursday night sneak preview which could include about another $4 million.

The Marvel comic adaptation had an opening bigger than those of “Batman Begins” ($48.7 million), “Superman Returns” ($52.5 million), the first two “X-Men” movies and “Spider-Man”.

This is quite the success for lead actor Robert Downing Jr., who has never fronted a movie that grossed $100 million during its entire run.
Among any kind of movie, “Iron Man” posted the 10th biggest and best three-day opening ever. It is the No. 2 debut of all time for a non-sequel, behind only Spiderman’s $114.8 million.