Breakthrough Box Office Success: “Ne Zha 2” Leads International Earnings

The international box office sees Chinese animated film “Ne Zha 2” surpass $1.1 billion, making it the first film to reach this milestone in a single market. It currently ranks as the seventh highest-grossing animated movie ever and could further rise in ranks. Disney’s “Mufasa: The Lion King” is steadily performing with global earnings nearing $700 million, and “Paddington in Peru” has crossed $100 million overseas. Meanwhile, Universal’s “Dog Man” has expanded to 41 markets.

The significant highlight from this weekend’s international box office is the remarkable success of the Chinese film “Ne Zha 2,” which has generated an unprecedented $1.1 billion in China alone, making it the first film to achieve such a milestone within a single market. Current estimates show the film grossing RMB 8 billion and it is already ranked as the seventh highest-grossing animated movie globally.

Projections from Maoyan have been updated to forecast a total run of RMB 12 billion ($1.65 billion) in China, which could elevate “Ne Zha 2” to the position of the second highest-grossing animated film in worldwide history, despite its limited release outside of China. Notably, its revenue from IMAX screenings has already reached $63.9 million, establishing it as the highest-grossing local language release in that format to date.

In the realm of Hollywood, the Disney film “Mufasa: The Lion King” has continued to perform well overseas, earning $8.5 million this weekend, despite a 29% drop. Its international total stands at $435.9 million, making its global earnings $671.1 million, with the goal of reaching $700 million realistically within grasp, though it may just miss that mark.

In another development, “Paddington in Peru” has surpassed $100 million in international box office receipts, accumulating a total of $104 million. This figure includes $19 million attributed to Sony’s releases, with its North American debut scheduled imminently. Upcoming releases to note include significant markets such as Korea, Italy, and Spain.

Meanwhile, Universal/DreamWorks Animation’s “Dog Man” expanded to 41 markets, collecting $6.6 million this weekend, bringing its international total to $11.9 million and its global total to $66 million. Lastly, in its UK debut, “Dog Man” opened at No. 1 with $4 million, surpassing previous box office hits like “Kung Fu Panda 3” and “Trolls 3.” Upcoming anticipated markets include Brazil, Australia, and Korea.

In summary, the international box office has witnessed groundbreaking performances, particularly with “Ne Zha 2,” which has set records by reaching $1.1 billion in China alone. Meanwhile, “Mufasa” and “Paddington in Peru” continue to garner significant revenue globally. The ongoing expansions and anticipated releases suggest a strong global theatrical landscape for animated films.

Original Source: deadline.com