'Avengers' sequel is second biggest US opener of all time

LOS ANGELES, CA -- The "Avengers" sequel has failed to top the record opening weekend of the first film. "Avengers: Age of Ultron" grossed a staggering $187.7 million in its first three days in theaters according to Disney estimates on Sunday, but it is a far cry from the first film's $207.4 million debut in 2012.

Although "Ultron" was the only new film in wide release this weekend, it had some significant small screen competition too: The Kentucky Derby, the NBA playoffs, and the Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao fight.

Numbers could shift by the time Monday actuals roll in, but it seems the robust counter-programming may have blockaded a new record for Marvel and Disney.