The sci-fi spectacle opened in 51 territories on $70.6m led by a typically muscular Russian debut of $17.5m that made up for the film’s disappointing North American debut.

The worldwide tally stands at $101.2m thanks to this mighty international performance. The eternal challenge of recoupment looms large: the budget on John Carter reportedly reached $300m and it has already opened in all the top markets except China and Japan. Can China save the day?

Looking at the individual territories, South Korea returned $3.9m, France $3.8m, Australia $3.4m in first place, the UK $3.3m, Germany $3m, Mexico $2.9m, Spain $2.8m, Brazil $2.4m and Italy $1.6m. Remaining territories accounted for $26m.

There were several minor benchmarks, among them the fourth biggest Disney opening weekend in India and the tenth biggest launch for the studio in South Korea.

  • Warner Bros Pictures International reported that Journey 2 reached an even $200m following a $9.2m weekend haul from 53 markets. The adventure added $1.2m in its second weekend in Germany for $3.2m and has reached $57.4m in China.

Sherlock Holmes 2 stands at $335.6m following $4.3m from 28 markets including a solid $3.7m debut in second place in Japan on 466 screens. It has grossed $41m in the lead market of the UK. Project X stands at an early $7.3m and has taken $3.2m in Australia and $2.4m in the UK, both after two weekends.

  • Fox International’s action comedy This Means War added $9.4m from 3.662 screens in 52 markets for $57.5m. The UK delivered the best result on $1.7m from 487 for $5.8m after two weekends, however Russia remains the top territory overall on $12.8m after four.

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel continued to weave its magic in the UK where it held on to its number one berth following a mere 18% drop in the third weekend on $3.1m for a magnificent $17.3m.

Chronicle crossed $50m and The Descendants stands at a terrific $86.7m while Star Wars: Episode 1 in 3D has reached $52m.

  • PPI reported that its multi-Oscar winner Hugo grossed $5.5m in 2,086 venues in 33 PPI territories for $62.2m in these markets. Japan led the way on $1.5m from 237 for $6.7m after two weekends.


The Devil Inside added $3.6m from 1,909 in 46 markets for an even $30m, while the old warhorse Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol has reached $480.4m and is now on the verge of passing $100m in China, where it stands at a sensational $99.4m. DreamWorks Animation’s Puss In Boots has been no slouch either, amassing $387.5m.

  • Underworld Awakening has reached $85.7m through Sony Pictures Releasing International, while romance The Vow stands at $39.8m and Jack And Jill has reached $73.6m.
  • It will take a while before Universal’s North American smash Dr Seuss’ The Lorax can show its mettle internationally as UPI plans a gradual roll-out with the majority of markets set to launch at the end of March in time for the holidays.  It has grossed $1.8m so far from a handful of markets in South-east Asia and Eastern Europe.

Safe House added $6.1m from 3,500 sites in 50 territories for a respectable $61.6m and the UK remains the top performer on $9.8m after three weekends. Contraband stands at an early $16m from eight territories.

The Ides Of March opened in Spain on $820,000 from 202 and The Raven, where Universal is releasing in eight territories, opened in the UK on $500,000 from 300.

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