'Transformers 3' Earns $32.5 Million in International Box Office on Opening Day

Paramount’s Transformers: Dark of the Moon is doing monster business overseas, where it is pacing 38 percent ahead of the last film in the franchise.

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Dark of the Moon posted an opening day gross of $32.5 million at the international box office. Including Tuesday previews, the 3D tentpole has raked in $36.6 million off shore.

In North America, Dark of the Moon has grossed $42.8 million, bringing the tentpole’s global cume to $79.4 million in just over a day.

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The difference: In North America, Dark of the Moon is pacing behind Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. Not so overseas.

Dark of the Moon is doing well across Europe and Asia (by Friday, it will be playing around the globe, save for China and Japan).

In Russia — where the world premiere was held — Michael Bay’s threequel has grossed $4.2 million, including previews.

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Dark of the Moon scored the biggest opening day of 2011 in France, where it has earned $3 million.

Asia turned in impressive stats, including Korea, where Dark of the Moon scored the biggest opening day of all time, grossing $5 million.

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Dark of the Moon opened to $780K in Hong Kong, the biggest opening day for a non-holiday.

Many box office observers believe that Dark of the Moon will open north of $200 million overseas.