Ridley Scott’s ‘Napoleon’ Reigns Supreme at Global Box Office With $78.8 Million
variety.comRebecca Rubin Film and Media Reporter Ridley Scott’s historical epic “Napoleon” may not have conquered the top spot in North America, but it emerged victorious at the worldwide box office.
The film, starring Joaquin Phoenix as the infamous French ruler, debuted to $78.8 million, including $46.3 million internationally — enough to stave off the competition on global charts. “Napoleon” brought in $33.1 million domestically in its first five days of release, landing in second place behind “The Hunger Games” prequel “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.” “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” added $26.2 million at the international box office, bringing its weekend tally to $68.8 million.
Lionsgate’s tentpole, starring Rachel Zegler and Tom Blyth in an action-adventure that predates the saga of Katniss Everdeen, has grossed $197.2 million globally to date.
With its $100 million price tag, “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” appears to be well positioned in its theatrical run. But ticket sales haven’t lived up to the original series, so it’s too soon to tell if there’s enough interest to justify future sequels and spinoffs set in the bleak world of Panem. “Napoleon,” which has received mixed reviews and audience scores, cost $200 million and is far from a financial winner despite its reign this weekend at the global box office.
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