Originally published April 30, 2017. Updated April 16, 2018.
Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 began its international roll out this past week, debuting in 37 territories ahead of its North America and Chinese debuts this coming Friday.
Early tracking had suggested that the James Gunn-directed sequel was looking at an international opening weekend of between $85 million and $100 million, and the top end of that was almost dead on the money, with the film grossing $101.2 million through to Sunday.
Forbes reports that Guardians Vol. 2 opened in first place everywhere except Portugal, Turkey and Vietnam, and outperformed its predecessor in all markets barring Belgium. It’s opening was up 57% overall on the first Guardians, as well as 50% ahead of Captain America: The Winter Soldier and 19% ahead of Thor: The Dark World.
SEE ALSO: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2: 3 Things That Worked and 3 Things That Didn’t
Guardians Vol. 2 is said to be tracking a domestic opening haul of $160 million, and when you throw China into the mix, it’s likely to be pushing the $450 – $500 million mark by close of play next weekend.
Set to the backdrop of ‘Awesome Mixtape #2,’ Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 continues the team’s adventures as they traverse the outer reaches of the cosmos. The Guardians must fight to keep their newfound family together as they unravel the mysteries of Peter Quill’s true parentage. Old foes become new allies and fan-favorite characters from the classic comics will come to our heroes’ aid as the Marvel cinematic universe continues to expand.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is scheduled for release on April 28th 2017 in the UK and on May 5th in the States, with director James Gunn reuniting with returning cast members Chris Pratt (Star-Lord), Zoe Saldana (Gamora), Dave Bautista (Drax), Bradley Cooper (Rocket), Vin Diesel (Groot), Karen Gillan (Nebula), Michael Rooker (Yondu), Glenn Close (Nova Prime), Sean Gunn (Kraglin) and Laura Haddock (Meredith Quill) alongside new additions Pom Klementieff (Oldboy) as Mantis, Elizabeth Debicki (The Man from U.N.C.L.E.) as Ayesha, Kurt Russell (The Hateful Eight) as Ego the Living Planet, Chris Sullivan (The Drop) as Taserface, Tommy Flanagan (Sons of Anarchy) as Tullk and Sylvester Stallone (Creed) as Stakar.
