Disney postponed the release of "The Other Side of Heaven", which Hathaway had filmed before "The Princess Diaries", to allow the latter film to take precedence at the box office, feeling confident that "The Princess Diaries"' impending success would in turn bolster the performance of "The Other Side of Heaven". "The Princess Diaries" was released in theaters on August 3, 2001, becoming a surprise success and sleeper hit. The film opened in 2,537 theaters throughout North America and earned more than $23.2 million during its opening weekend, completing in third place behind "Rush Hour 2" and "Planet of the Apes". "The Princess Diaries" achieved the second-highest opening earnings for a live-action G-rated film, behind "101 Dalmatians" (1996) at $33.5 million. The film's box office returns surprised several commentators, far exceeding pundits' expectations. Analysts originally estimated that the film would earn between $13 and $15 million.