Around-the-World Roundup: 'Hobbit' Finale Invades China, Passes $600 Million Overseas
The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies ruled the international box office this weekend with $54.3 million, most of which came from its excellent debut in China.

The final installment in Peter Jackson's Middle Earth prequel trilogy opened to $49.3 million in China, which is its final major market. That's the biggest opening ever for Warner Bros. International, and is nearly on par with what the first Hobbit movie made in its entire run.

So far, The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies has earned $617.1 million overseas and over $866 million worldwide.

Playing in 57 markets, Taken 3 added $26 million this weekend. That includes a huge $8.2 million debut in France and a very good $2.2 million opening in Brazil (over twice as big as Taken 2). Taken 3 has now grossed $132.7 million overseas, and remains on track to come close to the last movie's $236 million total.

American Sniper expanded to a total of 26 markets and earned $18 million this weekend. In Australia, it opened in first place with an impressive $4.3 million, which is Clint Eastwood's best debut ever there. In its second outing in the U.K., it held even at $3.8 million.

To date, American Sniper has taken in $48.95 million overseas; it's set to reach France, Brazil, Mexico, Spain, Japan and Germany in the second half of February.

Big Hero 6 added $14.9 million from 33 markets this weekend. That includes a strong $5.1 million opening in South Korea—second all-time for Disney/Pixar behind Frozen—and a solid $3.9 million in Germany. It has earned $238.6 million so far, and is scheduled to expand in to France and China next month.

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Forecast

'Sniper' to Easily Fight Off Weak Competition This Weekend

Last Weekend

'Sniper' Sets January Record with Stunning $89 Million Debut


This Timeframe in Past Years:

• 2014 - 'Ride Along' Runs Over 'I, Frankenstein'

• 2013 - 'Hansel' Slays 'Parker,' 'Movie 43'

• 2012 - 'The Grey' Leads the Pack

• 2011 - 'Rite' Possesses Top Spot

• 2010 - 'Avatar' Unfazed in Seventh Outing

• 2009 - 'Paul Blart' Clamps Down 'Rise of the Lycans'

• 2007 - 'Epic,' 'Aces' Smoke Oscar

• 2006 - 'Big Momma' Jams, 'Nanny McPhee' Floats, 'Bubble' Bursts

• 2005 - 'Hide and Seek' Comes Out on Top



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