Hellboy sequel tops US box office

Hellboy II: The Golden Army has gone straight to the top of the US box office chart.

The sequel, which was helmed by Pan's Labyrinth director Guillermo del Toro, sees the eponymous hero take on a deadly army of creatures from a mythical world.

Starring Ron Perlman and Selma Blair, the movie has already taken $35.9 million (£18.1 million) in its first three days on release – toppling former number one Hancock into second place.

According to Nikki Rocco, Universal Studios' president of distribution, the film's success is an "incredible result".

She told Variety: "No other studio wanted to do this, but Universal had the wherewithal to do it.

"You had a very talented filmmaker, plus a great marketing campaign that created a huge demand."

The second highest new entry at number three was Journey to the Centre of the Earth - a new 3D adventure based on the popular Jules Verne story.

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