Guillermo del Toro’s “Hellboy II: The Golden Army” was a major cinematic attraction this weekend, with ticket sales in North America worth an estimated $35.9 million.

Universal’s sequel to 2004’s supernatural action-thriller film “Hellboy,” which gave Guillermo del Toro the chance to offer his unique vision of comic creator Mike Mignola’s fantastic world.

“Hellboy II: The Golden Army” rose to the top of the North American box office. Ron Perlman returned as Hellboy, while Mignola was also involved in the writing of the script. Selma Blair reprised her role as the beautiful fire-engulfing Liz, the hero’s love interest.

In contrast, “Hellboy” earned only $23.1 million in its opening weekend four years ago. The new film also marks a record for Guillermo del Toro, whose previous best opening movie was “Blade 2,” earning $32.5 million in 2002.

“Hellboy” was seconded by last week’s champion, the Will Smith-starring “Hancock,” about an unusual superhero who saves lives while destroying public property, is a cranky heavy drinker and enlists the help of a PR expert to improve his image.

“Hancock” earned another $33 million. This brings the film’s 10-day total to $165 million.

“Journey to the Center of the Earth 3D,” starring Brendan Fraser,  opened at number three with $20.6 million, while Disney’s robot love story “Wall-E” grossed $18.5 million more. This brings the romantic sci-fi movie’s total gross to $162.7 milion.

Universal’s “Wanted,” starring Angelina Jolie and James McAvoy, came in fifth, with $11.6 million.

Warner Bros’ “Get Smart,” starring Steve Carell and Anne Hathaway, is still in the race, with $7 million, while Eddie Murphy’s critically reviled “Meet Dave,” a comedy about tiny aliens taking over a human, took in a modest $5.3m, placing seventh on its opening weekend.

Rounding up this weekend’s top 10 were “Kung Fu Panda,” with $4.3 million, “Kit Kittredge: An American Girl” with $2.3 million and “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” with $2.2 million.