A week ahead of the North American debut, The Avengers in 3D took over the world box office, winning a huge record take of $178.4 million and gripping the No. 1 spot in all 39 markets where it opened, from Iceland to New Zealand, for the biggest haul of 2012.
The Marvel Comics blockbuster received the biggest ever opening in Latin America including Mexico ($15.9 million) and Brazil ($11.3 million) plus Argentina, Ecuador and Peru. In Asia, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Korea were the biggest markets and The Avengers ranked the third largest weekend for a Western film in India.
The superhero title debuted in the UK ($24.7 million), France ($12.7 million), Italy ($10.4 million) and Australia ($19.7 million), where it reached the second highest opening ever, behind Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2, per The Hollywood Reporter.
The ultimate all-star cast of superheroes assembled to save the world from the villainous Loki (Tom Huddleston) includes Robert Downey Jr. (Iron Man), Chris Hemsworth (Thor), Chris Evans (Captain America), Mark Ruffalo (The Incredible Hulk), Scarlett Johansson (Black Widow), Jeremy Renner (Hawkeye), and Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury, head of S.H.I.E.L.D.
Directed by Joss Whedon (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), with 30% more markets to come rolling out, such as China and Russia next weekend, and Japan in August, the film has plenty of power left to flex.
The Avengers is expected to surpass $150 million in the US next weekend, with Fandango, the online movie retailer, reporting The Avengers holds 61% of ticket sales in the US.
In second, Battleship dipped to make $22.5 million across 50 markets.The sci-fi action movie, starring Liam Neeson and Taylor Kitsch, has rounded up a total of $170 million since it open three weeks ago.
Based on the Hasbro combat game about sea warfare with an alien armada, Battleship stayed in the top spot in Russia and earned a hefty $29 million in China. The film opens in North America May 18.
In third place is the reissue of James Cameron's Titanic, still afloat with $18.5 million over 70 markets including China, where the 1997 classic took $12.5 million this weekend.
Fourth is the sequel American Pie: Reunion guzzling $14.5 million from 41 markets. The raunchy comedy franchise opened strong in Austria (No. 1) and Germany (No. 2).
Fifth is The Hunger Games drawing $7.4 million in 62 territories, starring Jennifer Lawrence (X-Men: First Class) and Josh Hutcherson (Journey 2). The teen phenomenon has made $600.9 million worldwide with 62% from the US.
RC
