‘Joker’ laughs its way to October box office record

Warner Bros.′ R-rated “Joker” has set a new record at October box office.

Studios on Sunday estimate that dark spin on classic Batman villain earned an estimated $93.5 million from ticket sales in its first weekend in rth American aters. previous October record-holder was Spider-Man spiff “Vem” which opened to $80 million last year.

Scrutiny over “Joker’s” violent mes resulted in multiple ater chains banning costumes and authorities in numerous cities stepping up police patrols around aters, but security concerns did t seem to detract audiences.

Starring Joaquin Phoenix in titular role, “Joker” surpassed industry and studio expectations as well as its $55 million production budget.

more family-friendly “Abominable” landed in second with $12 million. “Downton Abbey” took third with $8 million.