Zootopia

Gary Goldman, whose credits include Total Recall and Minority Report, is suing the firm and says elements of the film are based on his work.

He claims Disney copied themes, settings, plot, characters and dialogue and the title of his Zootopia concept.

Mr Goldman also claims he pitched the idea to the studio in 2000 and 2009.

The copyright infringement case suggests Disney works in "a culture that not only accepts the unauthorised copying of others' original material, but encourages it".

The animation –​ featuring the voice talents of Idris Elba, Ginnifer Goodwin and Shakira –​ fought off competition from London Has Fallen, which is new at 2 with $21.7m.

Elsewhere, last week's number one Deadpool drops down to 3 with $16.4m and Whiskey Tango Foxtrot is at 4 with $7.6m.​

Gods of Egypt slides to 5 with $5m, Risen is at 6 with $3.8m and Kung Fu Panda 3 is at 7 with $3.5m.

Oscar winner Leonardo DiCaprio's ​The Revenant rises to 8 with $3.3m, and Eddie the Eagle is at 9 with $3.1m​. ​Finally, The Witch rounds out the top ten with $2.5m.​