The Mummy gets 'Dark Universe' off to weak start as Tom Cruise film flops at box office

The Tom Cruise film is being trounced by DC superhero film Wonder Woman

Universal's 'Dark Universe' is off to a poor start following the release of The Mummy, the Tom Cruise actioner which is spearheading a franchise featuring classic characters including the Bride of Frankenstein and the Invisible Man.

It's opening days saw a measly $35 million at just over 4,000 locations compared with Patty Jenkins' DC effort Wonder Woman which is aiming for approximately $52 million in its second weekend, bolstered by critical acclaim and a record-breaking opening weekend.

The Mummy's opening day alone - including Thursday night previews - signalled poor box office performance with takings of just $14 million.

This news won't be welcomed by Universal who have lined up the $125 million budgeted film as the first of a series featuring characters from a shared universe of monsters, starring Javier Bardem's Frankenstein and Johnny Depp as the Invisible Man.

Alex Kurtzman has directed The Mummy which stars Cruise alongside Sofia Boutella, Annabelle Wallis and Russell Crowe as Dr. Jekyll.