Steven Spielberg’s The Adventures of Tintin is scoring big numbers as it rolls out in its first key foreign territories, grossing a combined $8.6 million in Belgium, France and the U.K.
The 3D family film opened in the three territories on Wednesday, following previews on Monday and Tuesday. In Belgium—home country of the character Tintin—the pic has taken in north of $520,000, an auspicious.
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In France–where the character also is tremendously popular–Tintin has already earned at least $4.6 million, and is on course to earn north of $18 million through Monday–likely the top opening of all time for a franchise pic outside of Avatar. Opening day grosses of $3.7 million were bigger than the Shrek pics and 75 percent ahead of last year’s mega box office player Toy Story 3.
Sony is distributing Tintin, produced by Spielberg and Peter Jackson, in non-English speaking European territories, including France and Belgium, while Paramount is handling English speaking territories, including the U.K.
In the U.K., Tintin earned a combined $3.5 million for Paramount from previews and opening day, also a strong showing.
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Holland also turned in strong numbers for Sony, where previews came in at $114,000.
Tintin doesn’t open in the U.S., where Paramount is distributing, until Christmas.
