Robots Take Title As 'Real Steel' Earns $27.3M

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Boxing robots are the undisputed champions at the weekend box office.

According to studio estimates Sunday, Hugh Jackman's "Real Steel," set in a near-future when robot fighters have replaced humans in the ring, debuted at No. 1 with $27.3 million.

"Real Steel" added $22.1 million overseas for a worldwide total of $49.4 million. The movie casts Jackman as a former boxer reluctantly thrown together with his young son as they turn a junkyard robot into a world-class contender.

George Clooney's political saga "The Ides of March" was the runner-up, opening at No. 2 with $10.4 million. The film stars Ryan Gosling as an aide to a presidential candidate (Clooney) caught up in scandal. Clooney also directed.

The previous No. 1 movie, "Dolphin Tale," slipped to No. 3 with $9.2 million.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)