Legendary and Universal Pictures’ Warcraft expanded to eight more markets this frame, after debuting with $31.8M in 20 last weekend which included key plays like Russia and Germany. The sophomore session brings the total markets in release to 28 with an estimated $29M to be added through Sunday. That would take the cume to $69.1M. And this is before it hits China on Wednesday — where it is expected to be a beast.
On Friday, the Duncan Jones-helmed adaptation of Blizzard Entertainment’s video game phenom added $5.9M for a $53.9M total. In new invasions this session, Warcraft landed No. 1 starts in seven. Of those, Spain leads with $895K after bowing on Friday and taking 56% of the box office share. Brazil debuted with $921K over Thursday and Friday, in No. 1, with 40% of the market.
Warcraft has 37 more territories to open over the next two months. Next weekend, it hits North America, but international is going to be the bulk of this beast. Most importantly, it travels to China on June 8 in a rare pre-U.S. debut for a big Hollywood movie, and as such will take advantage of the Dragon Boat Festival holiday. The Middle Kingdom is the world’s biggest gaming market and Warcraft is looking at an Orc-sized start for Legendary there where it releases through China Film Group and Huaxia. Pre-sales are beyond strong and the marketing machine has been in full multi-player mode.