Box office: 'Insurgent' launches with $4.1 million in latenight U.S. shows

By VARIETY

Lionsgate's "The Divergent Series: Insurgent" has opened impressively with $4.1 million in Thursday night showings in the U.S.

"Insurgent" expands to 3,875 locations Friday and is opening on the same weekend as "Divergent," the first in the series, did a year ago. Lionsgate is hoping that star Shailene Woodley's higher profile as well as the continued popularity of the books written by Veronica Roth, which serve as the source material, will bolster revenues for "Insurgent." Pre-release tracking suggests that the film should top the $54.6 million debut of its predecessor, which totaled $150.9 million in the U.S.

Lionsgate's promotional campaign has stressed the action and visual effects in the sci-fi thriller.

See More:'Insurgent' On Track for Bigger Opening Than 'Divergent'

International box office has already hit $8.2 million in markets that opened Wednesday and Thursday. Lionsgate said "Insurgent" is in first place in 49 of the 52 markets around the world where it has opened so far.

Brazil opening day box office was up 135% over "Divergent" and France gained 127% to $1.1 million. The Netherlands was up 78% and Belgium 54%.

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