'Real Steel' debuts at top of box office

Boxing robots are the undisputed champions at the weekend box office.

Hugh Jackman's "Real Steel," set in a near-future when robot fighters have replaced humans in the ring, debuted at No. 1 with $27.3 million, according to studio estimates reported by The Associated Press Sunday.

A DreamWorks release distributed by Disney, "Real Steel" added $22.1 million in 19 overseas markets for a worldwide total of $49.4 million. The movie casts Jackman as a former boxer reluctantly thrown together with his young son as they turn a junkyard robot into a world-class contender.

George Clooney's political saga "The Ides of March" was the runner-up, opening at No. 2 with $10.4 million. The Sony release stars Ryan Gosling as an aide to a presidential candidate (Clooney) caught up in a scandal. Clooney also directed.

The previous No. 1 movie, "Dolphin Tale," slipped to No. 3 with $9.2 million, raising its domestic total to $49.1 million.