NICOLE KIDMAN - THE GOLDEN COMPASS GOT OFF TO A DISAPPOINTING START AT THE AMERICAN BOX OFFICE THIS WEEKEND.

THE GOLDEN COMPASS GOT OFF TO A DISAPPOINTING START AT THE AMERICAN BOX OFFICE THIS WEEKEND.

THE GOLDEN COMPASS got off to a disappointing start at the American box office this weekend.

The first film in the His Dark Materials trilogy, based on the novels by Phillip Pullman, took $26.1 million (£12.7 million), rather than the predicted $30-40 million.

According to Empire magazine, the $180 million (£88 million) movie may have been boycotted by people who took offence at the books' questioning of religion.

Rolf Mittweg, president and chief operating officer of New Line's worldwide distribution and marketing operations, told the Guardian that the box office takings were "a little disappointing".

He added that he hoped word of mouth would bolster numbers in the upcoming weeks, especially when children break up for Christmas.

The film stars Hollywood A-listers NICOLE KIDMAN, DANIEL CRAIG and CHRISTOPHER LEE.

Internationally the film received a warmer reception, taking approximately $55 million (£26.9 million) in 25 countries (not including the UK).

THE GOLDEN COMPASS was the only new release in the UK chart, where despite its weak attendance, it still reached the number one spot.

Family films featured heavily in the chart, with ENCHANTED remaining popular.

The Disney film took $10 million (£4.9 million), taking its overall total to $83 million (£46 million).

THIS CHRISTMAS and FRED CLAUS also performed well.

Meanwhile, NICOLE KIDMAN has received an apology from the Daily Telegraph over claims that her favourite perfume is Jo Malone's White Jasmine and Mint rather than Chanel No5 which she is paid to endorse.

The newspaper claimed that she had "spotted it on whenever she had a moment", while promoting THE GOLDEN COMPASS in the UK.

It has offered its "sincerest apologies".