'Wall Street' sequel set to rally at box office

LOS ANGELES - Oliver Stone's "Wall Street" sequel will be the top stock at the weekend box office in North America, giving returning star Michael Douglas his first No. 1 movie since "Don't Say a Word" in 2001.

"Wall Street," which came out at the end of 1987, finished up with about $87 million in current dollars. The sequel is on course to fetch $20 million or more through Sunday, keying on older fans of the original.

Shia LaBeouf and Carey Mulligan co-star, with the original's Charlie Sheen on board for a cameo. Responding to marketing materials showing younger cast members as well as Douglas, tracking surveys show creeping interest among younger moviegoers.

"Clearly, we have all adults 25 and up on board, and the younger people now are starting to respond," Fox distribution president Bruce Snyder said.

Promotion has been a bit hampered by Douglas' unavailability because of cancer therapy, though he did stump for "Money" in the spring before Fox postponed its release to adult-friendly fall. The film cost about $53 million to make.

Also arriving Friday is Warner Bros.' animated 3D fantasy adventure "Legend of the Guardians: Owls of Ga'Hoole." It was an early favorite to compete for the top spot this weekend, but must-see interest has been limp of late in tracking surveys. A bow in the high-teen millions looks likely.

Directed by Zack Snyder, a fanboy fave for "Watchmen" and "300," "Guardians" is the first in a presumed series of movies based on the book series by Kathryn Lasky. Helen Mirren, Anthony LaPaglia and Sam Neill join several child actors in the voice cast of the picture.

Australian media firm Village Roadshow was a 50-50 partner on the production, which took advantage of Australian tax credits to shave costs to an estimated $79 million.

Disney's youth-targeting comedy "You Again," the weekend's third major wide release, is expected to open modestly in the $8 million-$10 million range. Directed by Andy Fickman ("Race to Witch Mountain"), the films stars Kristen Bell, Jamie Lee Curtis, Betty White and Sigourney Weaver.

Meanwhile, actor/director Ben Affleck's reigning champ, "The Town," will try to sustain its surprisingly strong $24 million start while competing for the same demos as "Wall Street."