The 23rd Bond flick had a spectacular debut which accounted for about 46% of the entire top 10 business internationally. It marks by far the biggest opening ever for a 007 film around the world.
So with its $83 million opening, Skyfall took a ridiculously easy win, but come on, we all knew this would be a hit either way. What was surprising is how we got to said number. Early estimates on Sunday were calling for $77 million. On Monday the number changed to $80 million. The final number was even higher and if similar past occurrences taught me anything, whenever something like this happens, it’s a very good omen for that movie. The Avengers did it and look how that ended up. Sure, I don’t expect those kind of heights for Skyfall but it should have no problem passing Casino Royale‘s franchise record of $426.8 million internationally. Actually I have a sneaking feeling this “little” film will end up north of $500 million internationally and $700 million worldwide. With loads more markets left to open in the coming weeks, Skyfall is well on its way to reach those numbers.
Hotel Transylvania was up again, now in 2nd place with $18.4 million. The Adam Sandler voiced animation has $91.5 million internationally and $223.1 million worldwide after little over a month in theaters.
Former leader Paranormal Activity 4 fell 45% to 3rd place with $14.5 million and $48.7 million internationally. In 4th place we have something of a surprise comeback, The Bourne Legacy with $13.2 million, mostly from a fantastic opening in China. The Matt Damon-less spy flick has so far grossed $253.2 million worldwide, apparently enough for a sequel somehow (it cost $125 million to make so barely doubling that is hardly what I’d call a smashing success that would call for another film).
Taken 2 took quite a hit from Skyfall over the weekend, dropping 51% to $12.3 million in 5th place. That brings the sequel to a very impressive worldwide total of $320.3 million.
