Affleck and Lopez star in Gigli together

Following terrible reviews, Gigli took just $3.8m (�2.5m) in its opening weekend.

In contrast, American Wedding, the third in the American Pie series, debuted at number one after taking $34.3m (�21.2m), according to early studio estimates.

The previous week's number one Spy Kids 3D: Game Over slipped to number two with receipts of $20.1m (�12.5m) over the three-day period.

US top five 1. American Wedding 2. Spy Kids 3D: Game Over 3. Pirates of the Caribbean 4. Seabiscuit 5. Bad Boys II

Gigli, starring Affleck as a tough criminal and Lopez as a lesbian assassin, has been the subject of less than flattering reviews and its promotion has been overshadowed by gossip about their secret wedding plans.

The New York Times called it a "hopelessly misconceived exercise in celebrity self-worship", while the Washington Post said it was "slack, dreary and, oh yes, nasty, brutish and long".

'Gross-out'

It debuted at number seven, just behind the Disney/Pixar film Finding Nemo, which was released nine weeks ago.

In American Wedding Jason Biggs and Alyson Hannigan return as teenage sweethearts heading up the aisle, complete with the franchise's familiar "gross-out" gags.

This time directed by Jesse Dylan, son of Bob Dylan, its takings fell short of the $45.1m (�30m) of American Pie 2 but easily topped the first movie's debut weekend of $18.7m (�11.6m).