Gladiator II isn’t entertaining audiences in the US, Canada and China until this Friday, but scored the highest ever international opening for a Ridley Scott film over the weekend, taking $87m.
The film opened in 63 territories late last week, including the UK, where it took $11.4m from 722 locations. It also performed particularly strongly in France ($10.3m from 729 locations).
However, this opening is a touch weaker than that for February’s blockbuster sequel, Dune: Part Two, which took $97m internationally over its first weekend. Meanwhile, Pixar’s Inside Out 2 made $140m over the same period, and Disney’s Deadpool & Wolverine $233m.
It is, however, significantly up on Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, which made $30m internationally on its first weekend, and Ryan Gosling/Emily Blunt action comedy The Fall Guy ($36.7m).
Gladiator II’s cast and crew have been on a weeks-long global press tour which concluded with a screening attended by King Charles III in London last week. It has also partnered with dozens of international brands to better amplify its profile, including a brand of Mexican biscuits, a tie-in with Rome’s public transport system and a campaign with German bank VR.
In Australia, a limited edition range of pistachio-heavy puds and drinks called the Emperor’s Collection was available in dessert shops Oliver Brown. Meanwhile, Parisian chain French Coffee Shop is offering a Gladiator II salted caramel latte.
Hopes are high that Scott’s belated sequel can boost the global box office for the final month and a half of the year, following disappointing numbers for Venom: The Last Dance and The Rock’s comedy Red One, which opened last week around the world.
Gladiator II opens in the US on the same day as highly anticipated musical Wicked, leading some to anticipate a Barbenheimer-style battle for the top spot – although double-bill outings are likely to be less popular.
