Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight Rises has jumped the $300 million mark worldwide in less than a week and had a record debut in France on Wednesday, setting the stage for what could be a big box office weekend for Batman.
The Dark Knight Rises made an impressive $2.7 million in France, its best opening day of the year, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
The DC Comics superhero story opened in North America and 17 foreign markets last weekend, but rolls out to 40 more countries this weekend including Germany, Russia, Japan, Brazil and other markets.
There are no other major films releasing this weekend, but with the London 2012 Olympics beginning Friday, July 27, the competition could likely be the opening ceremony as eyes turn to the television for events.
This finale in the trilogy stars Christian Bale, Anne Hathaway, Gary Oldman, Morgan Freeman, Marion Cotillard, Michael Caine and Tom Hardy.
In North America, The Dark Knight Rises is expected to stay at No. 1 with an estimated drop to $66 million. Even with a drop of 59 percent, US ticket site Fandango reports that TDKR accounts for 80% of daily sales.
The action thriller debuted last weekend with $248 million worldwide. Some claim the film lost approximately $10 to $20 million because of the tragic shooting in Aurora, Colorado, at a midnight screening and people nervous about a copycat criminal.
{{/usCountry}}The action thriller debuted last weekend with $248 million worldwide. Some claim the film lost approximately $10 to $20 million because of the tragic shooting in Aurora, Colorado, at a midnight screening and people nervous about a copycat criminal.
{{/usCountry}}In the US, the dance film Step Up Revolution and comedy The Watch with Ben Stiller, Vince Vaughn and Jonah Hill won't be a significant draw away from the Batman finale.