The Incredible Hulk saw green at the US box office as it beat The Happening to the number one spot.



It took $54.5m over its opening weekend, reports Variety.com.

The latest big screen take on the Bruce Banner story has been better received by critics and fans alike than Ang Lee's 2003 version.

And the success of the new film, which stars Edward Norton, is likely to lead to further movies.

Marvel Studios chairman David Maisel said: "This has definitely revitalized the Hulk franchise for us. It's so important for us, and it gives us so many options, because many of our characters connect."

M Night Shyamalan's The Happening grossed an estimated $30.5m - better than expected after it opened to disappointing reviews from the critics.