David Carradine is the film title's Bill

The movie, starring Uma Thurman as a vengeful assassin, took $25.6m (�14.2m) in its opening weekend, according to studio estimates.

The figure is up 16% on the $22.1m (�12.2m) the first film made when it opened in October 2003.

Comic book adaptation The Punisher, starring John Travolta, opened in second place with $14m (�7.7m).

Based on the Marvel comic, the film sees an ex-FBI agent target a crime boss in revenge for killing his family.

"A very big weekend for revenge," said Paul Dergarabedian, president of box-office tracker Exhibitor Relations.

"Revenge in movies is very cinematic. Everyone lives vicariously through characters in movies, and they can safely get their revenge fix without actually doing it themselves."

Flop

In contrast, the comedy Johnson Family Vacation, starring Cedric the Entertainer and Vanessa L Williams, was at number three, with takings of $6.4m (�3.5m).

The latest film from My Big Fat Greek Wedding creator Nia Vardalos, Connie and Carla, failed to capitalise on her previous romantic comedy which proved such a massive hit.

Historical drama The Alamo has proved a flop

Connie and Carla, about two women posing as drag queens, debuted outside of the top 10 with $3.26m (�1.8m).

My Big Fat Greek Wedding was the surprise smash of 2002, eventually taking $241m (�133.4m).

Disney's flop The Alamo slipped from number two to 10, ending hopes of a delayed surge.

It cost $140m (�77.4m) to make but has so far only taken $16.3m (�9m).