Tom Cruise-Paramount’s Mission: Impossible–Fallout launched with $61.5 million when it opened in 4,386 locations, marking a franchise-best debut.
That title was previously held by “Mission: Impossible II’s” $57.8 million opening.
The last iteration, “Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation,” bowed with $55.5 million.
The biggest debut for a Cruise film still belongs to War of the Worlds ($64.8 million), probably because it was directed by Spielberg.
“Fallout” signals a return to form for Cruise, whose last few box office offerings had less than stellar theatrical runs. “American Made” fared best, while Cruise’s reboot of “The Mummy” and “Jack Reacher: Never Go Back” suffered from high production costs and bleak reviews.
Overseas, “Fallout” brought in $92 million when it premiered in 36 international markets. Imax accounted for $12.5 million of its $153.5 million global opening. “Fallout” opens in China on Aug. 31.
“There was a hunger for something real and exciting,” Davies said. “There’s something very special and raw knowing that the filmmaker and star put it all on the line to create entertainment for moviegoers.”
The highest-grossing “Mission: Impossible” installment is “Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol” ($694.7 million), followed by “Rogue Nation” ($682.7 million), and “Mission: Impossible II” ($546.4 million). Combined, the series has earned over $2.7 billion globally.
The sixth installment has also received the some of the best reviews for the franchise. Its 97% certified fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes is the highest for both the series, and of any Cruise movie. Audiences seem equally enthusiastic, as “Fallout” holds an A CinemaScore.
“Rogue Nation” filmmaker Christopher McQuarrie returned to write and direct “Fallout,” making him the first person to take the reins of more than one movie in the franchise. Cruise, returning as globe-trotting special agent Ethan Hunt, reunites with Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, Rebecca Ferguson, Michelle Monaghan, Sean Harris, and Alec Baldwin. Henry Cavill joined the cast, along with Angela Bassett and Vanessa Kirby.
This weekend’s other wide release, Warner Teen Titans Go! To the Movies, landed in fifth place. The family-friendly entry secured $10.5 million from 4,005 theaters, slightly below estimates.
The animated picture likely suffered from competition against Sony’s “Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation.”
Universal’s Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again stayed at No. 2 with $15 million, dropping 57% during its second outing for a domestic total of $70 million. Overseas, the jukebox musical picked up $26.6 million, taking its tally to $96.8 million internationally and $167.3 million worldwide.
“The Equalizer 2” picked up $14 million in its sophomore frame. The first sequel of Denzel Washington’s career has earned $64 million.
Sony’s “Hotel Transylvania 3,” landed in fourth, picking up $12.4 million in its third frame. In total, the animated adventure has amassed $119 million.
Disney-Pixar’s “Incredibles 2 is nearing the coveted $1 billion milestone. With $573 million domestically, the superhero sequel is now the highest-grossing animated release of all time and ninth-best North American title. In its seventh outing, “Incredibles 2” earned $7.3 million for a domestic tally of $573 million. It has made $997 million worldwide, including $424 million internationally.
At the specialty box office, Lionsgate’s “Blindspotting” made $1.3 million when it expanded to 523 locations for a domestic tally of $1.7 million.
Also in limit4ed release, A24’s “Hot Summer Nights,” starring Oscar nominee Timothee Chalamet and Maika Monroe, opened with a disappointing $12,166 from 12 locations.
