Seeing triple after this weekend’s movie choice? Seems to be contagious as triple-Eddie-Murphy comedy topped the American box office this weekend.

Murphy’s comedy ‘Norbit,’ in which he plays three completely different roles, opened as the top weekend movie with $33.7 million, according to studio estimates yesterday.

Fans were so eager to see Eddie Murphy and have triple the laughs, that they chose the DreamWorks production over MGM-Weinstein Co.’s thriller ‘Hannibal Rising,’ a prequel about ‘The Silence of the Lambs’ serial killer Hannibal Lecter. ‘Hannibal Rising’ came in at No. 2 with $13.35 million.

Murphy seems to be riding one fortunate wave, as his first starring role in 4 years conquers the North American box office. His last starring role was in 2003’s ‘The Haunted Mansion,’ another comedy featuring some spooky funny bits.

Murphy’s most precious achievement must be his Academy Award nomination for best supporting actor, due to his performance in the musical ‘Dreamgirls.’

‘He wasn’t that visible on marquees in huge hits for a while, then suddenly every time you turn around, it’s ‘Wow, what a surprise. Eddie is great,’ ‘ said DreamWorks spokesman Marvin Levy.

‘Norbit’ has managed to mark 2007’s biggest opening, as Murphy tackled three drastically different roles: mild-mannered Norbit, his wildly overweight and overbearing wife and a Chinese orphanage owner who raised him.

‘Norbit’ did not receive the same warm welcome from critics as it did from fans. It was the 14th time that a Murphy film has made its debut on top of the chart.

The top 10 national box-office films for the weekend of Feb. 9-11, according to Media By Numbers:

1. ‘Norbit’ $33.7 million

2. ‘Hannibal Rising’ $13.35 million

3. ‘Because I Said So’ $9 million

4. ‘The Messengers’ $7.2 million

5. ‘Night at the Museum’:$5.75 million

6. ‘Epic Movie’ $4.45 million

7. ‘Smokin’ Aces’ $3.8 million

8. ‘Pan’s Labyrinth’ $3.55 million

9. ‘Dreamgirls’ $3.1 million

10. ‘The Queen’ $2.5 million