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The film, also starring Genesis Rodriguez, Diego Luna and Gael Garcia Bernal, played primarily to Hispanic audiences

Will Ferrell‘s quirky subtitled indie comedy Casa de Mi Padre made a strong showing among Hispanic moviegoers as it opened in select markets across the country, grossing an estimated $2.2 million from 382 theaters to crack the top 10 chart and come in No. 9. The film’s location average was $5,759.

photo source: Lionsgate, Inc. Diego Luna

The Spanish-language film, also starring Genesis Rodriguez, Diego Luna and Gael Garcia Bernal, was released by Lionsgate under its Pantelion Films label, a joint-venture between the studio and Televisa. While most Pantelion titles open only in Hispanic markets, Casa de Mi Padre also debuted in such cities as Boston and Seattle, hoping to capitalize on Ferrell’s star status. According to exit data, 68 percent of the overall audience was Hispanic, while 51 percent were male.

photo source Lionsgate, Inc Genesis Rodriguez and Will Ferrell

“This movie is unique and different,” said Lionsgate’s distribution honcho David Spitz. “It’s a modern-day spaghetti Western.” Nala Films and Ferrell’s Gary Sanchez production banner made Casa de Mi Padre for roughly $6 million; the pic was later acquired by Lionsgate. Written by Funny or Die’s Andrew Steele, the comedy was directed by former Saturday Night Live writer Matt Piedmont. In the film, Ferrell goes to war with a drug lord in order to save his father’s Mexican ranch.