‘The Relic’ Eclipses ‘Evita’ With $9.4-Million Debut

Monsters beat Madonna in the weekend box-office race as the horror film “The Relic” debuted with $9.4 million to easily outdistance the much-hyped “Evita,” according to industry estimates.

“The Relic,” about a reptilian mutant that attacks people at a museum, stars Penelope Ann Miller as a biologist bent on killing the creature. “Evita,” the musical about Eva Peron of Argentina, was shown at 704 screens in its first weekend in wide release, taking in $8.6 million.

“Michael,” starring John Travolta as a seedy but good-hearted angel, fell from first to third place with $8.5 million.

Two films debuted in the Top 10. “Jackie Chan’s First Strike,” the latest adventure from the Hong Kong action star, was sixth with $6.5 million, and “Turbulence,” a critically panned aircraft-in-peril film, was No. 8 with $4.4 million.

The Top 10 films and their estimated grosses for Friday through Sunday (final figures are due today):

1. “The Relic,” $9.4 million.

2. “Evita,” $8.6 million.

3. “Michael,” $8.5 million.

4. “Jerry Maguire,” $7.8 million.

5. “Scream,” $7.6 million.

6. “Jackie Chan’s First Strike,” $6.5 million.

7. “The People vs. Larry Flynt,” $5.6 million.

8. “Turbulence,” $4.4 million.

9. “One Fine Day,” $3.6 million.

10. “Beavis and Butt-Head Do America,” $3 million.