LOS ANGELES - Batman's rich alter-ego Bruce Wayne has added half a billion dollars to his riches.
The Dark Knight has became the second movie in Hollywood history to top US$500 million at the domestic box office, raising its total to $502.4 million, according to estimates from distributor Warner Bros.
The film hit that mark in just over six weeks, half the time it took Titanic, which reached $500 million in a little more than three months.
Titanic, the biggest modern blockbuster, remains No. 1 on the domestic charts with $600.8 million.
Despite its brisk pace, The Dark Knight is not expected to approach the total for Titanic, which put up smaller numbers week after week but lingered at the top of the box office for months.
Dan Fellman, head of distribution at Warner Bros., said he expects The Dark Knight to finish at about $530 million, though it could reach $550 million if business persists as strongly as it has.
