NEW YORK (AP) – Furious 7 enjoyed a victory lap over the weekend, becoming only the third film ever to make $1 billion internationally and leading the domestic box office for the fourth straight week.
But the movie that’s poised to topple the Universal juggernaut, Marvel’s The Avengers: Age of Ultron, revved up overseas with a massive $201.2 million debut.
In North American theatres, Furious 7 had enough left in the tank to top all films with an estimated $18.3 million, according to studio estimates Sunday. While the film has been a huge domestic hit, it’s been even bigger abroad – particularly in China, where it’s set a record with $323 million.
Furious 7, a film whose fate was once in doubt after the death of star Paul Walker midway through shooting, has now made $1.3 billion globally. Only two other films, both by James Cameron – Avatar and Titanic – have made more money internationally than Furious 7.
But the reign of Furious 7 is effectively over now that the highly anticipated Avengers sequel is on the way. Though it doesn’t open in North America until Thursday night, it debuted in 44 countries and territories this weekend. That represents about half of its international rollout.
Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theatres, according to Rentrak.
1. Furious 7, $18.3 million ($69.7 million international).
2. Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2, $15.5 million ($5.3 million international).
3. The Age of Adaline, $13.4 million ($1.3 million international).
4. Home, $8.3 million ($13.7 million international).
5. Unfriended, $6.2 million.
6. Ex Machina, $5.4 million ($500,000 international).
7. The Longest Ride, $4.4 million ($1.1 million international).
8. Get Hard, $3.9 million.
9. Monkey Kingdom, $3.5 million.
10. Woman in Gold, $3.5 million.
