‘Dunkirk’ Off To Solid Start Overseas

Sunday Update: Warner Bros.’ Dunkirk, took first place at the global box office with $105.9 million, on the strength of $55.4 million overseas. Playing in 44 territories, it took first place in all the major markets, led by $12.2 million in the U.K.

However, that ranks outside the top 100 highest U.K. debuts ever. That may be surprising, considering the plot surrounding the British military, the British director Christopher Nolan at the helm, and the legendary mostly-British ensemble cast including Tom Hardy, Mark Rylance, and Kenneth Branagh.

Other solid numbers include $10.3 million in South Korea, $4.9 million in France, $4.7 million in Australia, $2.7 million in Russia, and $2.4 million in India.

Domestically, the film opened to $50.5 million and first place.


Friday Update: Warner Bros.’ Dunkirk earned $8.6 million overseas on Wednesday and Thursday, prior to the film’s Friday launch in the U.S. and U.K.

Opening in seven European markets on Wednesday, the film earned $2.2 million, good for first place in every territory. Expanding into another 24 markets on Thursday, the title took in another $6.3 million. Leader territories include France with $1.8 million, South Korea with $1.6 million, and Australia with $1.2 million.

Dunkirk is projected to easily capture the first place spot in the U.S. as well, when it opens on Friday. The film will play in 46 overseas total markets this weekend and is especially expected to do huge business in the U.K., where the film takes place and because all of its lead actors are British: Tom Hardy, Mark Rylance, Kenneth Branagh, Cillian Murphy, Harry Styles, and Fionn Whitehead.

However, the film will not be released in China until September 1. While guaranteed to lead the U.S. box office this weekend, leading the global box office will prove harder without China yet in release. Plus two films earned more than $100 million globally last weekend, making for stiff competition: Spider-Man: Homecoming with $116.4 million and War for the Planet of the Apes with $100.7 million.

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