Burton's 'Alice' spins box office magic

Johnny Depp, left, Mia Wasikowska, centre, and Anne Hathaway are shown in a scene from the film, "Alice in Wonderland." (AP Photo/Disney)
Johnny Depp, left, Mia Wasikowska, centre, and Anne Hathaway are shown in a scene from the film, "Alice in Wonderland." (AP Photo/Disney)
Audiences are mad as hatters about Johnny Depp and Tim Burton's "Alice in Wonderland," helping it earn a whopping $US41 million in its first day.

After its big start on Friday, the Disney release could be on track for a $US100 million weekend. Box-office tracker Hollywood.com says that would be a record for films opening in March.

The current best March debut is $US70.9 million for "300" in 2007.

Director Burton reteamed with frequent collaborator Depp, who plays the Mad Hatter in their new take on Lewis Carroll's classic. The film also features Burton's romantic partner, Helena Bonham Carter, along with Anne Hathaway, Crispin Glover and Mia Wasikowska as Alice.