China Box Office: ‘Alien: Romulus’ Makes Robust Debut in Slowing Theatrical Market
variety.comPatrick Frater Asia Bureau Chief “Alien: Romulus” enjoyed strong Saturday and Sunday showings in Chinese cinemas to take a robust opening weekend win and stay ahead of Japanese animation title “Detective Conan: The Million Dollar Pentagram.” “Alien: Romulus” earned RMB186 million ($26.2 million) over the Friday-Sunday weekend in China, according to data from consultancy firm Artisan Gateway.
Some $5.02 million of that came from Imax screens. The figures are strong considering that Hollywood titles generally have struggled over the past five years, compared with the earlier 2010s era when audiences were more in tune with western values and local films were weaker.
The figures are also strong considering that the “Alien” franchise does not have deep roots in China. “Alien Covenant” was released in June 2017 and earned $29.1 million in its opening weekend, before going on to a $45.5 million total.
But 2012 predecessor “Prometheus” did not have a theatrical release in China. “Alien: Romulus,” did not have things all its own way over the weekend.
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