Captain Marvel, the first female-led superhero picture from Marvel Studios and Disney, starring Brie Larson, scored a huge global opening of $455 million.
The figure includes $153 million in North America and $302 million overseas, which makes it the fifth-best foreign opening in history.
It proves that an event movie starring a woman can hold its own around the world and rival action tentpoles featuring men.
Captain Marvel did huge business in Imax theaters, which contributed $36.1 million globally. That included $22 million overseas, the second-biggest opening weekend for the premium exhibitor behind Jurassic World.
Captain Marvel opened in most markets, save for Japan. In China, the movie grossed $89.3 million, followed by $24.1 million in South Korea, $16.8 million in the U.K. and $13.4 million in Brazil.
So far internationally, Captain Marvel is pulling in more money than any superhero film introducing a new character.
Captain Marvel, which cost $150 million to make, is another win for Kevin Feige’s Marvel.
Unlike critics, who were mixed in their reaction, moviegoers awarded it with an A CinemaScore and strong exit grades.
About 55 percent to 58 percent of ticket buyers were male (that compares with 52 percent on Wonder Woman‘s opening weekend). The audience was also diverse (48 percent Caucasian, 20 percent Hispanic, 17 percent African-American and 15 percent Asian/Other).
Imax theaters contributed $36.1 million, a record for a non-sequel.
Set in 1995, the tale follows galactic warrior Vers as she flexes her powers and savvy when a battle between two alien races threatens Earth. Along the way, she discovers her true identity and past — along with Goose the cat.
Larson reprises the role in the upcoming Avengers: Endgame.
Directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck, Captain Marvel — which opened on International Women’s Day — also stars Samuel L. Jackson, Ben Mendelsohn, Djimon Hounsou, Lee Pace, Lashana Lynch, Gemma Chan, Rune Temte, Algenis Perez Soto, Mckenna Grace, Annette Bening, Clark Gregg and Jude Law.
