Australia Invaded by 'Clones'
by Brandon Gray
May 17, 2002

Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones landed in Australia, where much of it was shot at Fox Studios in Sydney, with the market's highest non-holiday opening day ever and the second-biggest day overall.

With no Spider-Man to contend with or measure up to, Clones stormed 457 venues on May 16 and scored an estimated $1.7 million. By comparison, The Phantom Menace bowed to $1.4 million from 372 theaters, and now ranks No. 3 overall. However, Clones had a slightly lower per venue average—$3,690 to Menace's $3,866.

The champion of Oz remains The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, which rang up $2.25 million from 405 theaters in its first day, averaging $5,588. Although, it opened on Boxing Day, the biggest Australian holiday for movies. Harry Potter ranks No. 4, conjuring $1.2 million from 475 its opening day.

Spider-Man will swing into Australia on June 6.