007 again dominated the German box office this weekend, as Spectre grossed an astounding $13.7 million (€12.8 million) in its second weekend to take the latest Bond film over the $30 million mark in the territory. Additionally, and it’s not a 100% accurate comparison because not all countries open at the same time, but after two weeks of release, “Skyfall” was at $289 million internationally. It’s a little surprising that this film was released so far ahead of the holidays, especially with the expected box office dominance of Spectre and Peanuts, and only speaks to the expectations for the new Hunger Games film. Keep in mind to support independent movies, ladies and gents, because you might be out of the loop come Oscar time should the major theater chains not elect to play them.
Advertisement
“Spectre” also opened in the Chinese market over the weekend with $48.2 million, which is the biggest opening for a 2D USA film in China. A mutual friendship developed between the Broccoli-Wilson family and the Bollinger family, and Champagne Bollinger has remained a Bond favorite even as the torch has been passed from Roger Moore to Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan and now Daniel Craig.
Daniel Craig may have fuelled speculation about the possibility of not returning as James Bond but the actor says embodying the popular character in four movies has taken him to great places.
After just two weekends at the box office, it’s already 5th on the all-time list of Bond films and last week it had the second largest opening of any Bond flick in history.
The Martian fell one spot to fourth place as it was wedged between newcomers Love the Coopers ($8.4m) and The 33 ($5.8m). It was among the most anticipated films of the year.
It also set a new standard for a Bollywood film opening in the United Kingdom with $1.5 million. Produced with a budget of $10 million, Universal will try to recoup a few of those costs by expanding it quickly. Taking the the No. 3 spot this week is “Love the Coopers” bringing in an estimated .4 million.
Elsewhere, “Prem Ratan Dhan Payo”, from Fox worldwide Productions and Fox Star Studios, has shattered the record for the biggest release ever for a movie in India. It finished just outside the top 10 (No. 11) with $1.4 million and a per-screen average of $22,925, the best of any title now playing in wide or limited release.
Advertisement
Fox Searchlight expanded “Brooklyn”, another awards-season entry, with $485,000 at 23 sites for a location average of $21,087.
