Gladiator II won't entertain audiences in the U.S., Canada and China until Nov. 22, but over the weekend it scored the highest international debut for a Ridley Scott film - $87 million.
The film began screening in 63 territories late last week, including the United Kingdom, where it grossed $11.4 million from 722 locations. Its performance was also particularly strong in France, with $10.3 million from 729 locations, the Guardian reported.
However, this start is slightly weaker than that of February's blockbuster Dune: Part Two, which grossed $97 million internationally in its first weekend. Meanwhile, Pixar's Inside Out 2 has earned $140 million over the same period, and Disney's Deadpool and Wolverine $233 million.
However, that's significantly more than the film Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, which earned $30 million internationally in its first weekend, and Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt's action comedy The Fall Guy, $36.7 million.
The cast and crew of Gladiator II were on a weeklong global tour that culminated in a screening attended by King Charles III in London last week. The film has also partnered with dozens of international brands to promote itself, including a Mexican biscuit brand, Rome's public transport and a campaign by German bank VR.
In Australia, Oliver Brown dessert shops used to offer a limited edition range of high pistachio puddings and drinks called the 'Emperor Collection'. Meanwhile, the Parisian chain French Coffee Shop is offering a Gladiator II Salted Caramel Latte .
Hopes are high that Scott's overdue sequel could boost the global box office for the last month and a half of the year, following the disappointing results of Venom: The Last Dance and the Scalata comedy Red One, which were released in cinemas around the world last week.
Gladiator II will screen in the U.S. on the same day as the highly anticipated musical Wicked. That has some expecting a Barbenheimer-style battle for the top spot - though the double premieres probably won't be as popular. | BGNES
