'Pokemon Detective Pikachu'leads Chinese mainland box office

The live-action Pokemon adventure film Detective Pikachu was the champion of the Chinese box office over the weekend, earning 282 million yuan (about 41 million US dollars).

Actor Ryan Reynolds, left, is joined by his pregnant wife, actress Blake Lively at the premiere of "Pokemon Detective Pikachu" at Military Island in Times Square on Thursday, May 2, 2019, in New York. [Photo:IC]

The story begins when ace detective Harry Goodman goes missing prompting his 21-year-old son Tim to find out what happened. Aiding in the investigation is Harry's former Pokémon partner.

It opened in both Chinese and American theatres in IMAX 3D and 2D format on May 10.

International observers estimated that the film is expecting to grab a 50 to 55 million US dollars in North America, and another 90 to 120 million US dollars overseas.

(Story includes material sourced from AP)