Pacific Rim scores massive $45 million debut in China; hopes for sequel alive?

Last Updated on August 2, 2021

Last week we shared the news that Guillermo del Toro's PACIFIC RIM had opened strong in China, with a record-breaking $9 million debut, a new high for any Warner Bros. release and 23% bigger than any of the HARRY POTTER films. The film grossed a huge 70% of market share there upon its opening, giving hope that the film would continue to dominate the international box-office. Now The Hollywood Reporter is sharing that PACIFIC RIM soared to a $45.2 million weekend debut in China, marking the biggest opening of all time for a Warner Bros. title and the sixth-biggest debut of all time for any Hollywood movie.

The strong showing at the Chinese box office pushed the film's international total to $200.4 million and worldwide cumulative to $293.4 million. However, it's still not clear whether del Toro's monsters vs. robots film will break even, considering it cost at least $200 million to make, not factoring in a major marketing spend. Domestically, it has earned a tepid $92.3 million.

Hopes for a sequel hinge on the international performance, but things are looking up as the film's No. 1 weekend finish at the international box office ($53 million from 58 markets) was good news for Legendary, putting PACIFIC RIM just ahead of THE SMURFS 2, which took in $52.5 million from 43 territories this week.

While U.S. theatrical sales are not expected to exceed $100 million, overseas bank is crucial. But international was always a big part of PACIFIC RIM‘s strategy in a crowded summer marketplace, and the successful opening in China now has Legendary thinking sequel. We'll have to wait to hear if plans for a sequel move forward, but keeping an eye on the films international take will give us an idea of whether or not the company will take that chance. I say "Make it happen! We want to see more!".

We'll keep you updated on any potential sequel news for PACIFIC RIM as we hear it.