Pacific Rim starts strong

Guillermo del Toro’s sci-fi action release opened on 5,950 screens in 25 markets on Thursday [11] led by a $2.1m number one debut on 1,537 Russian screens. The film arrives on 9,500 screens in 38 territories overall this weekend including the UK.

Pacific Rim took $1.5m from 961 in South Korea for Warner Bros’ third biggest opening day. Taiwan delivered $674,000 from 199 in Taiwan for the industry’s third biggest Thursday debut, while Australia produced $620,000 from 428.

The film grossed $559,000 in Thailand for the studio’s third biggest launch day and scored $300,000 in Italy on Thursday. The country recently shifted to a Thursday release pattern. Argentina delivered $195,000 from 204.

Pacific Rim arrives next weekend in France and Germany and in China on Jul 31. Spain, Japan and Brazil receive the film on Aug 9.

Latest figures put Man Of Steel at $325m with Brazil set to open on Friday. The Hangover Part 3 stands at $237m.

Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures International top brass reported that The Lone Ranger has reached an early $34.7m and also arrives in Brazil this weekend.

Monsters University has grossed $202.1m and opens in the UK, France, New Zealand, Hong Kong and Benelux.

The Heat has grossed $6.9m through Fox International and opens in Australia and Taiwan, while local title Wenn Inge Tanzt debuts in Germany.

After Earth opens in China and has amassed $141.2m through Sony Pictures Releasing International. This Is The End stands at $5.7m.