Disney’s ‘Brave’ shows mettle with $66 million debut

LOS ANGELES – A new Disney princess has ascended to the box-office throne with a No. 1 debut for Pixar Animation’s "Brave."

The latest from the makers of "WALL-E," "Finding Nemo" and the "Toy Story" movies opened with $66.7 million domestically."

"Brave" added $13.5 million in 10 overseas markets for a worldwide start of $80.2 million.

Featuring a feisty Scottish princess, "Brave" was the first of Disney’s Pixar animations with a female protagonist. The film left American hero Abraham Lincoln in the dust.

The action tale "Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter" opened far back at No. 3 with $16.5 million," behind the animated animal sequel, "Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted."

"Madagascar" had been No. 1 for two weekends and added $20.2 million to raise its domestic total to $157.6 million.