‘Wolverine’ takes in $35 million on Friday

Fox’s “X-Men Origins: Wolverine,” the first big-budget picture of the popcorn movie season, grossed approximately $35 million on Friday, almost exactly the same as last year’s summer-launching “Iron Man” did on its first day. Matching the latter flick’s nearly $100-million opening weekend haul will be difficult, however, given “Wolverine’s” significantly weaker reviews. If audience interest fades as quickly as it did for 2006’s “X-Men: The Last Stand,” which saw a 29% drop in returns from Friday to Saturday, the three-day gross could be as low as $80 million for the spin-off starring Hugh Jackman. “Iron Man,” by contrast, actually increased returns on its second day, presaging a remarkable box office run. But even a gross in the $80 million to $90 million range would mark a very respectable, if not quite jaw-dropping, start for “Wolverine,” which Fox says cost $130 million but production sources peg at $140 million-plus.