star power of T.I., Chris Brown, Idris Elba, and more proved to be a powerful force at this weekend’s box office. While it barely missed the top spot, the action flick still managed to pull in strong figures.


Based on weekend estimates, the horror film The Last Exorcism grossed an estimated $21.3 million at 2,874 locations, enough to narrowly edge out Takers, which came in at No. 2 after earning $21 million at 2,206 theaters, according to studio estimates. At this rate, it should have no problem recouping its $32 million budget.

T.I., who stars in and produced the film, traveled across the country promoting his latest project, stopping in Los Angeles, New York, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Atlanta, and Las Vegas for premieres. A prequel was already being considered before the box office results.

Takers, which also stars Paul Walker, Hayden Christensen, Matt Dillon, Jay Hernandez, and Zoe Saldana, focuses on a group of professional robbers who plan mind-blowing heists. When the recently-paroled member Ghost (played by Tip) rounds up the crew for one last sting, they have to dodge a pair of detectives (Dillon and Hernandez) intent on putting a stop to their theft.

“The storyline is a lot edgier. It has so many different dynamics. There are so many stories within the stories. With these characters, you get a little bit more back-story,” T.I. previously said of the comparisons between Takers and the similar flick Ocean’s Eleven. “And we’re younger and better looking.”

According to the latest box office receipts, Takers comes in at No. 1, besting The Last Exorcism. Final data released Monday shows Takers took in $20.5 million, compared with $20.4 million earned by Exorcism. “The real #’s are out and we did it!!! #TAKERS is #1!!!” tweeted a celebratory T.I.