Chinese moviegoers have embraced “Warcraft” with $145 million in its first four days — more than five times the $27 million opening weekend at the U.S. box office.
The China performance makes “Warcraft” the fastest international film ever to top $135 million (900 million Renminbi) in that market. That figure outpaced last year’s four-day record by "Furious 7,” which finished its run in China with $390 million.
The stellar performance in China gives the fantasy actioner a worldwide total of $277 million from 51 markets so far with 23 launching this weekend. It’s opened as the number one film in 45 of those markets, with launches starting May 25.
Russia is the second-best international territory so far with $19.1 million in 16 days.
"Warcraft” took in $1.8 million in its first two days in South Korea and $1.7 million in Taiwan. Ukraine set a record Thursday for top opening day at $233,000.
The videogame adaptation grossed a massive $46 million on its opening day in China. Legendary and Universal backed the $160 million film, which needs a lift from foreign audiences in view of prospects for moderate performance in North America, where it’s projected to finish in second place, 30% behind the opening of “The Conjuring 2.”
Universal is distributing the film in most of the world, aside from China, where China Film Group and Huaxia are handling the rollout.
Legendary was acquired earlier this year by Chinese conglomerate Dalian Wanda. The film is directed by Duncan Jones (“Moon”) and stars Travis Fimmel, Paula Patton, and Ben Foster.