Madagascar 3 scores $76m debut to dominate int’l arena

Russia led the way on $16.4m from 881 sites to come in 1% higher than Madagascar 2 in nominal terms. Brazil generated $11m from 471 and fared much better in the comparisons, registering an unadjusted 250% climb against its predecessor while China’s $10.4m from 5,500 reflected an unadjusted rise of 489%.

Elsewhere France produced $7.6m from 685, Mexico $6.6m from 575, South Korea $4.3m from 561 and Argentina an excellent $3.6m from 125.

In its fourth weekend comedy The Dictator starring Sacha Baron Cohen generated a further $4.9mn from 2,091 sites in 32 territories to push the running total to $70.3m.

• Fox International top brass said Ridley Scott’s Prometheus added $39.2m from 8,263 screens in 50 markets as the tally after 12 days climbed to $91.5m. The sci-fi adventure pulled off Australia’s third biggest launch weekend of the year-to-date on $6.8m from 635, trailing only The Avengers and The Hunger Games.

The film held firm at number one in its second weekend in the UK as $5.2m from 1,162 boosted the score to $25m while there was a strong $4.3m debut in South Korea from 519 screens. Filmgoers in France and Russia accounted for $3.9m from 665 for $12m and $3.2m from 1,670 for $17.6m, respectively.

Best Exotic Marigold Hotel stands at $82.8m and We Bought A Zoo has taken $40.9m.

• MIB 3 has become the heaviest hitter in the Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones action canon after Sony Pictures Releasing International executives said it added $38.3m from 14,860 screens in 79 markets for $352.1m.

China has proved to be the most rewarding market outside North America on $63.4m after three weekends, while Japan has amassed $27.8m through Toho Towa. The UK stands at $24.3m and Germany $18.9m.

• Dark Shadows stands at $130m following a $4.6m weekend through Warner Bros Motion Pictures International. The comedy adaptation brought in $1.6m from 571 screens in its third weekend in Japan for $22.2m. Meanwhile France has generated $14.7m and audiences have responded to the film in Russia, where it stands at $11.3m. The UK is also on $11.3m.
• Snow White And The Huntsman added $24.6m through Universal Pictures International from 5,261 sites in 52 territories for an early $83.5m. The film opened top in seven territories led by the Netherlands on $850,000 from 100. The UK was the best holdover on $3.6m from 467 for $14.7m. Germany’s $2.6m from 628 elevated the fantasy adventure to $7.9m while Spain produced a $1.8m number one hold from 392 for $6.5m. Brazil stands at $7.4m and Mexico $2.7m.

American Pie: Reunion has reached $172.6m and is projected to overtake the $173.1m lifetime gross of Little Fockers this week. 

Family release Hanni and Hanni 2 has grossed $3.7m in Germany, Wes Anderson’s Cannes opener Moonrise Kingdom has amassed $1.8m after three weekends in the UK. Universal also holds rights for Australia, New Zealand and Latin America while Focus Features International pre-sold rights for the rest of the world. Battleship has grossed $235.6m and Dr Seuss’ The Lorax has reached $97.9m.

• Marvel Studios’ The Avengers brought in a further $10.8m through Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures International from 3,129 locations to reach a sensational $824.4m and $1.396bn worldwide.

Latest figures put China on $86.3m, the UK on $81.1m, Brazil on $64.2m, Mexico on $61.1m, South Korea on $52.2m, Australia on $51.7m, Russia on $42.6m, France on $41.1m and Germany on $31m.

Italy has generated $24m, Taiwan $20.2m, Spain $19.8m, Argentina $17.2m, the Philippines $14.7m, Hong Kong $13.1m, India $12.5m, Indonesia $12.1m, Venezuela $12.1m, Colombia $11.2m, Malaysia $11.1m and Singapore $10.9m.

The Avengers ranks as the fourth biggest international release in history behind Avatar on $2.022bn, Titanic on $1.527bn and Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 2 on $947m. It is the third biggest global release behind Avatar on $2.782bn and Titanic on $2.185bn and the third biggest film in the North American pantheon behind Avatar on $761m and Titanic on $659m.