2012 Destroys The World While Bringing in Big Bucks Across The Globe
Written by Wayne Hall on November 16, 2009 – 11:30 am -
It was 2012 and the world was being destroyed in theaters across the globe this weekend, as Sony’s Roland Emmerich disaster 2012 scared up $225 million around the world, bringing in $160 outside the United States and only $65 million inside the country, according to Variety.
It was the fifth biggest international opening of all time and the best foreign launch of a non-sequel movie. 2012 also was the second week in a row Sony had a big box office win, following last week’s Michael Jackson movie This Is It, which now has a worldwide total income of $222.6 million.
Since 2012 cost at least $200 million to make, Sony needed a big opening. It was also a big shot in the arm for Emmerich, whose last film, 10,000 BC, topped out at $94.8 million. Emmerich’s action/disaster formula seems to appeal more to international audiences than those in America, analysts observe.
In the U.S., 2012 skewed slightly older, with 55% of the audience over age 25. It also skewed slightly female, at 52%.
“The opening number says that Roland Emmerich is an incredible filmmaker,” said Rory Bruer, Sony president of worldwide distribution. “He has truly set a new bar with thisfilm in regards to the amazing images and special effects, as well as the story.”
Overseas,2012 opened in the top slot in all 105 territories where it bowed. France led with $17.2 million, followed by Russia at $15.3 million, Germany at $12.4 million, China with $12.3 million and the U.K. with $10.8 million. In some territories, including Russia and India, it was the second-best Hollywood opening of all time, based on local currency.
Interms of top international launches, “2012″ comes in behind Warner Bros.’ Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince ($236 million), Sony’s Spider-Man 3 ($231 million), Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End, ($216 million) and Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix ($193 million). “2012″ bumped Sony’s Da Vinci Code ($155 million) from fifth place.
Last week’s top film, Robert Zemeckis’ Disney’s A Christmas Carol fell only 26 percent in its sophomore weekend in theaters, bringing in $22.3 million, making its two-week total $63.3 million. Disney had said that the holiday movie would have “strong legs,” and it looks like they were right. Will it pick up as the holidays draw closer? We’ll have to wait and see.
Paranormal Activity creeped its way over the $100 million mark this weekend as it continues to make money for Paramount.
Related posts:
- 2012 Pushed Back To November
- Amanda Peet’s Revelations On 2012
- Watchmen Tops US Box Office
- Carrey’s Carol Comes Out On Top
- Museum II Beats Terminator Sequel At US Box Office
Tags: 2012, A Christmas Carol, Disney, Robert Zemeckis, Roland Emmerich
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