The action-comedy Novocaine topped the domestic box office with an $8.7 million opening weekend, falling short of the projected $10 million target. Starring Jack Quaid as an unconventional action hero impervious to harm, the film faced competition for second place from Steven Soderbergh’s Black Bag and Bong Joon Ho’s Mickey 17, each earning around $7.5 million. Meanwhile, Marvel’s Captain America: Brave New World held steady at No. 4 with $5.5 million, bringing its North American total to nearly $190 million. A Looney Tunes Movie: The Day the Earth Stood Still rounded out the top five with a $3.2 million opening. (THR)
