As Transformers: Dark Of The Moon prepares to cross $1bn at the global box office any day now, the studio says it has become the first to cross $2bn.

According to Paramount Pictures International (PPI), the studio has become the first to cross the $2bn mark at the international box office in 2011.

The studio has reached the mark in record time, just 50 days after passing $1bn on June 10.

The feat marks the second consecutive year in which Paramount has grossed $2bn at the international box office, achieving the mark on Saturday July 30, five months earlier than their prior record in 2008.

The news comes one week after Paramount’s blockbuster Transformers: Dark Of The Moon became the first ever Paramount-produced title to cross $500m on the international scene.

Among the studio’s biggest hitters this year have been Kung Fu Panda 2, which has outperformed the original 2008 film and currently has an international gross of $447.3m and Marvel Studios’ Thor ($267.4 m). Rango, Little Fockers and True Grit also saw strong returns.

The studio’s latest blockbuster Captain America stands at an international cumulative of $53.9 million after its first weekend.

“Our team has made creating a best-in-class international operation a cornerstone of our business,” said Paramount Pictures Chairman & CEO Brad Grey. “I’m grateful for everyone’s hard work across the globe that helped us achieve this milestone once again.”

“We are delighted to hit the $2 billion threshold so quickly this year,” said PPI President Andrew Cripps. “Credit has to go to the fantastic films we have had to release this year as well as the talented marketing and distribution teams working on Paramount films around the world.”

Major titles to come for the studio in the second half of 2011 include Cowboys And Aliens, Paranormal Activity 3 and The Adventures Of Tintin.

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