‘A Dog’s Purpose’ opens to $18.4 million amid controversy

LOS ANGELES — “A Dog’s Purpose” has underperformed slightly at the box office as it opened in theatres amid controversy over animal treatment on set and calls for a boycott.

Based on early projections, the family film was expected to open in the mid $20-million range, but studio estimates Sunday indicated it took in $18.4 million for a second-place start.

Yet it’s hardly a bomb for a movie that cost only $22 million to produce.

First place went again to M. Night Shyamalan’s multiple personality thriller “Split.” It grossed $26.3 million, representing a 34 per cent drop from its first weekend.