'Independence Day: Resurgence' hits $102 million internationally
"Independence Day: Resurgence" has launched impressively in international markets with $102.1 million in 57 markets with 21,872 screens.
China led the way with $37.3 million at 6,047 sites, representing the fourth-highest weekend in that market for a Fox title. That nearly matched the somewhat disappointing U.S. opening of $41.6 million.
South Korea led the rest of the pack with $7.4 million at 926 sites, followed by the U.K. with $7.3 million from 1,555, Mexico with $6.8 million at 2,783 and Taiwan with $3.7 million at 300. India opened with a bang, generating $3.5 million for the biggest Fox opening of all-time in the market.
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Fox also reported "terrific" results across Asia and Latin America, with numerous markets generating the biggest opening weekend ever for a Roland Emmerich movie. The film opens in 11 new markets next weekend, including Spain and Sweden.
"Resurgence" brought back the same fearsome aliens from the 1996 original, again bent on destroying the Earth. Will Smith, who broke out in the original, did not return to battle the invaders although Bill Pullman, Vivica Fox and Jeff Goldblum reprised their characters with newcomers Liam Hemsworth and Jessie Usher coming on board.
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With a $165 million production cost for the tentpole, Fox will require strong performances from international markets to become profitable. The original "Independence Day" was a smash hit with $306 million domestically and another $511 million overseas.
Lionsgate's "Now You See Me 2" grossed $51 million in 55 markets — nearly all of that from China with $43.3 million in the best weekend for a Lionsgate title. The international total has hit $107.7 million.
Disney's "Finding Dory" generated $37 million overseas from 37 markets to bring its international total to $110.3 million. China led the way with $6.1 million in its second frame, pushing the total in that market past $30 million, making "Dory" the second-highest Pixar release in that market after "Monsters University."
"Dory" opened first in Spain with $4.8 million and in France with $4.5 million.
Universal saw solid numbers from Illumination Entertainment's animated "The Secret Life of Pets" with $15.2 million at 700 sites in the U.K., Ireland and Norway. The $9 million U.K. launch marks the fourth-biggest original animation opening weekend ever in that market.
"Secret Life" will launch July 8 in the U.S.
