NEW YORK — M. Night Shyamalan’s psychological thriller “Split” blew away box-office expectations, earning $40.2 million in ticket sales over inauguration weekend.

Though many were focused on Friday’s presidential inauguration and Saturday’s nationwide women’s marches, “Split” doubled forecasts to easily lead all films.

The Universal Pictures release again brings together Shyamalan, director of “The Sixth Sense,” with the low-budget horror experts of Blumhouse Productions.

It’s the second collaboration between producer Jason Blum and Shyamalan, whose fluctuating career has recently found a lucrative home at Blumhouse. They previously combined for 2015’s breakout horror hit “The Visit.”

The PG-13-rated “Split,” starring James McAvoy as a man with split personalities, cost less than $10 million to make.

Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters:

1. “Split,” $40.2 million

2. “xXx: The Return of Xander Cage,” $20 million

3. “Hidden Figures,” $16.3 million

4. “Sing,” $9 million

5. “La La Land,” $8.4 million

6. “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” $7 million

7. “Monster Trucks,” $7 million

8. “Patriots Day,” $6 million

9. “The Founder,” $3.8 million

10. “Sleepless,” $3.7 million