Captain America: Civil War soars to US$84 million internationally

LOS ANGELES — Disney-Marvel’s Captain America: Civil War has launched with a massive US$84 million (S$112.9 million) in its first three days in 38 international markets — finishing in first place in all territories.

The international opening is on par with Disney’s Avengers: Age of Ultron in the same markets last year. Ultron wound up its international run as the top-grossing superhero movie internationally with US$946 million.

Eight markets opened on Friday (April 29), led by Mexico with a record-setting US$7.3 million opening day, beating the mark set by Ultron.

The UK saw a stellar US$7 million opening day, 33 per cent ahead of Ultron. Japan opened with US$2.8 million on Friday, the start of the lucrative Golden Week holiday.

South Korea, which opened on Wednesday, carries the top number with US$12.6 million after three days, followed by Mexico and the UK Brazil is in fourth with US$5.4 million after two days, followed by France with US$5.2 million in three days and Australia with US$4.5 million in two days. Both Taiwan and the Philippines have grossed US$3.8 million in three days.

Captain America: Civil War is now open in 63 per cent of the international marketplace. Pre-release tracking estimates suggested that the superhero sequel could rack up US$200 million after its first five days in theatres.

An opening of that size would put it in line with the foreign launch of Avengers: Age of Ultron at US$212 million.

The tentpole stars Robert Downey Jr’s Iron Man and Chris Evans’ title character, and introduces Chadwick Boseman’s Black Panther and Tom Holland’s Spider-Man. The Winter Soldier directorial team of Joe and Anthony Russo returns to helm.

Italy, Russia, China and Argentina all open next weekend — along with the US — where expectations are sky-high for a launch that could approach US$200 million. VARIETY.COM/REUTERS