The Hasbro game-adapted movie successfully grosses an estimated $7.4 million as it debuted internationally on April 11, landing on the top spot in almost every country where it opened.
- Apr 13, 2012
AceShowbiz - Before it opens wide in the U.S., "Battleship" already scores a huge success overseas. Despite the fact that some reviewers have been pessimistic about the mega-budgeted film, the Peter Berg-directed apocalyptic movie debuts on the first one spot in almost every country where it opened on Wednesday, April 11.
"Battleship" debuted in Australia, Belgium, France, Korea, Switzerland and previewed in 11 other territories. Universal Pictures has chosen a daring yet unorthodox strategy by releasing it internationally more than a month before its May 18 North America release.
Deadline has learned that on its first day, the Hasbro film has already grossed an estimated $7.4 million internationally, beating such movies as "The Hunger Games", "Titanic" 3D re-release, "American Reunion" and "Wrath of the Titans". The sci-fi pic claims victory in almost every market except in France, where it succumbed to an extremely popular local French film.
Judging from the trend, the sci-fi movie should steam past $300 million foreign box office especially since it will expand to a total 26 territories (40 countries), including China and Russia, on Friday.
Previously, some observers were afraid that "Battleship", which was made with a large budget of $209 million, would become a disappointing " 'John Carter' in gunmetal grey." With the proven result overseas, Universal is confident that the bad prediction would not come true. An exec from the studio told Deadline that the film is "off to a very good start."
Based on Hasbro's classic naval combat game, the navy vs. alien war movie is supported by Liam Neeson, Taylor Kitsch, Alexander Skarsgard, Rihanna, Brooklyn Decker and Hamish Linklater.
