'Blade Runner 2049' opens with $50.2 million in international box office

“Blade Runner 2049” has launched with a solid $50.2 million in 63 markets on 15,900 screens, representing 61% of its international footprint for Sony.

The noir sci-fi sequel took first place in 45 markets, led by $8 million in the U.K., similar to “Interstellar” and 15% ahead of “Mad Max: Fury Road.” Russia followed with $4.9 million, topping “Gravity” by 16% and “Mad Max: Fury Road” by 1%.

Sony noted that “Blade Runner 2049,” starring Ryan Gosling and Harrison Ford, is positioned for a strong run throughout the fall season and pointed to positive upticks on Saturday, stellar reviews, and “excellent” audience reception.

Australia launched with $3.6 million, beating out “Interstellar” by 9% and “Gravity” by 28%. France also took in $3.6 million, followed by Germany with $3.3 million, Spain with $2.6 million, Italy with $2.5 million, Brazil with $1.8 million and Mexico with $1.6 million.

Upcoming key market releases are South Korea on Oct. 12, Japan on Oct. 27, and China on Nov. 10.

“Blade Runner 2049” is heading for a downbeat $31.5 million opening weekend at 4,058 sites in North America, where it launched well below forecasts. Warner Bros. is handling domestic distribution on “Blade Runner 2049,” starring Ryan Gosling and Harrison Ford, through its output deal with Alcon Entertainment.

Financed by Alcon and Sony and laden with special effects, the film carries a $150 million price tag. Denis Villeneuve helms the sequel film, which is set in a bleak 2049 Los Angeles with Gosling starring as an LAPD officer dealing with replicants seeking freedom.

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