Breaking: 'Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen' set for biggest weekend ever?

Not necessarily that surprising, but industry polling for Michael Bay's "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen" is hinting that the highly anticipated sequel is already on a record-setting pace.

Based on the data HitFix was provided, "Revenge of the Fallen" is on track to challenge "The Dark Knight's 5-day record of $203 million last summer.  The picture has mammoth interest with moviegoers of all ages and is so strong among younger males that it would easily have a massive opening if Paramount Pictures decided to open it tomorrow.  Additionally, the overall numbers for men are off the charts with 3/4's of all respondents saying they are more than interested in seeing the movie.

In terms of record setting openings, it's worth noting "Revenge of the Fallen" debuts on a Wednesday while "Dark Knight's" record run began with a Friday (or Thursday night) debut.  Comparably, the largest Wednesday 5-day gross on record is 2004's "Spider-Man 2's" $152 million which "Revenge of the Fallen" should easily shatter. 

The first "Transformers" opened on Thursday, July 3, 2007 and took in $98.7 million over the 4-day Fourth of July holiday weekend.  The picture grossed $319 million in the U.S. alone and made Shia LaBeouf and Megan Fox household names.  Both stars are back for the second installment and face little competition until Johnny Depp and Christian Bale arrive with Michael Mann's "Public Enemies" and Fox rolls out "Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs" on July 1.  "Enemies" may be rated R, but the combo of the period thriller and the appeal of yet another family friendly "Ice Age" sequel could knock "Revenge" from the top spot. 

A massive run for "Transformers" would be another gold star in Paramount's summer release schedule.  Last month's "Star Trek" currently is the highest grossing film of the year with $209 million.  The J.J. Abrams reboot is also one of the most critically acclaimed films of the year.  Whether "Revenge of the Fallen" can duplicate that feat remains to be seen.

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