This weekend marked an exciting expansion for the international box office, with Warner Bros kicking off its pre-domestic release for the eagerly awaited Amazon MGM Studios production, *Red One*. Debuting in 75 overseas markets, the holiday movie grossed an estimated $26.6 million, a figure that aligns squarely with industry predictions. While the film struggled to dethrone Sony’s *Venom: The Last Dance*, which dominated its third weekend, *Red One* still carved out a significant presence, particularly in Latin America. Notably, it surpassed expectations compared to other holiday-themed films, including *Central Intelligence.*
In Europe, the performance of *Red One* has been commendable, as it has outpaced well-known winter blockbusters like *Skyscraper* and *Central Intelligence* at the current exchange rates. In Asia, the film generally fell short of expectations, although the reception has been more favorable than initially thought, with positive reviews rolling in from nearly every U.S. market surveyed, aside from a few anomalies. Its status as either the top or second-highest-grossing American film in numerous markets indicates some degree of acceptance, despite earlier predictions that holiday films might not resonate well in this region.
Conversely, *Venom: The Last Dance* continues to turn heads in the international arena, amassing an impressive $279.4 million to date. This weekend alone contributed $33 million across 66 markets, showcasing an only modest decline of 51% compared to its preceding weekend. Chinese audiences remain engaged, solidifying its position as the most lucrative market for the movie with a current gross of $82.8 million and projections that hint at a stable close around $93 million. Other noteworthy markets for the film include Mexico, the UK, Germany, and Korea, further highlighting its wide appeal.
Not to be overshadowed, Universal/DreamWorks Animation’s *The Wild Robot* is also on track for success, having reported an additional $9 million across 80 markets this past weekend. With a cumulative total of $161.6 million internationally and nearing $292 million globally, the film has outperformed classics like *Encanto* in overseas earnings. Mexico retains its position as the film’s strongest market, with significant contributions from the UK, France, Australia, and Spain. In Spain, the film has experienced an exceptional uptick thanks to local promotional events, even amid challenges posed by recent weather disasters in the region.
As we analyze the current landscape of international box office performance, it is clear that the holiday season has a mixed reception across different markets. While some films like *Red One* are generating buzz and maintaining a steady foothold, others, particularly *Venom: The Last Dance*, continue to defy expectations and reach impressive profit margins. Additionally, animated films like *The Wild Robot* demonstrate the potential for significant international revenue, especially in favorable markets. Overall, these trends highlight the unpredictability and dynamic nature of the global film industry as it inches closer to the end of the year.