New Line and Legendary Pictures got a glimmer of good news Monday, learning that Jack the Giant Slayer has secured a March 25 release date in China, where Hollywood tentpoles are doing increasingly significant business.
The 3D fantasy-adventure, distributed by New Line parent company Warner Bros., needs an especially strong international run after its troubled start in North America over the weekend.
Bryan Singer's revisionist take on the classic Jack and the Beanstalk fairy tale opened to a dismal $27.2 million after costing nearly $300 million to make and market, including a $190 million production budget.
Jack opened to $14.3 million in 10 Asian markets over the weekend, led by South Korea with $4.8 million.
Warners insiders hope that Jack mirrors the success of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey in China. The New Line and MGM tentpole has grossed north of $37 million in its first two weeks of play in China, enough to push the film past the $1 billion mark worldwide.
But Jack faces a tough road in recouping its cost, since it likely needs to earn $400 million-$500 million at the worldwide box office to break even.