March 31, 2013–Paramount benefited from pushing its sequel actioner “G.I. Joes Retaliation” back nine months to Easter weekend, judging by a $132 million worldwide opening,
Opening Wednesday evening, “G.I. Joe” collected an estimated $51.7 million domestically through Easter Sunday.
Critical response, which has been negative, seems to have been irrelevant in its impact on viewers. According to
RottenTomatoes, two out of three reviews have been negative.
The 3D conversion added $80.3 million in overseas box office receipts, marking the year’s largest overseas debut. Pic launched day-and-date in 53 territories (or 75% of the international market). Not surprisingly, Russia led with an estimated $11 million, of which the majority came from 3D.
Based on the opening, Paramount already is in development on a third “G.I. Joe.”
The sequel’s domestic three-day debut, at $41.2 million, ranks as the second-best Easter opening, behind “Clash of the Titans.” Globally, “Retaliation” is 35% better than the first “Joe.”
“Internationally is where you really see the 3D upside,” Paramount vice chairman Rob Moore said. “This opening really is a testament to the hard work that Paramount president Adam Goodman did with his team and the filmmakers.”
