Sagging domestically, but strong numbers overseas.
By The American Bazaar Staff
MUMBAI: The sequel of the Spider-Man film, ‘The Amazing Spider-Man 2’ has broken a world record in India: it grossed $6.92 million over four days – from Thursday through Sunday – in India, making it the top earner for a Hollywood film in the country.
The previous record holder was the first installment of “The Amazing Spider-Man.” Released by Sony Pictures India, the India release involved regional releases as well, in Tamil and Telugu, apart from Hindi and English, as well as 3D, 2D, IMAX 3D and Dolby Atmos options, reported Variety.
“We have taken a mass marketing approach to this film with some unique and very local innovations, further amplified with the invaluable support of the entire Sony group,” said Kercy Daruwala, Managing Director – Sony Pictures India, in a statement. “We have some very good weeks ahead of us as we continue to reap the benefits of an open release period coupled with great word-of-mouth and repeat viewing.”
While the film is doing great overseas, domestically the scenario is different: so far, it’s earned $277 million, and has a good chance of matching its predecessor’s $490 million total, reported Box Office Mojo. In the US, the film opened to a solid start, if not spectacular start, at $91.6 million. That’s below Captain America: The Winter Soldier’s $95 million debut last month. It is higher, however, than Thor: The Dark World ($85.7 million), and is also above 2009 summer kick-off X-Men Origins: Wolverine ($85.1 million).
When compared to the other May releases – the first and third movie in Sam Raimi’s original trilogy, the sequel is disappointing, however, at the box office. Those two Raimi films had garnered $114.8 million and $151.1 million, respectively, with much lower average ticket prices and no 3D premiums.
On the overseas front, apart from India, the sequel is also the third all-time best in the Philippines with $5.6 million. Other top markets included Indonesia ($5.2 million), Malaysia ($4.6 million), Hong Kong ($3.6 million), Singapore ($3.5 million), Thailand ($2.6 million) and Vietnam ($1.3 million). Each of those debuts was significantly higher than the first Amazing Spider-Man, reported Mojo. It also did great business in China, reaping $10.4 million over the weekend. Overall, it’s already earned $277 million overseas.
The first installment had overall made $490 million total at the box office. Sequels have already been announced for 2016 and 2018, so viewers are not going to get a respite from the masked hero anytime soon.