I Am Legend

"Legend" overtakes "Compass" at foreign box office

By Frank Segers

"Legend" overtakes "Compass" at foreign box officeBy Frank Segers
LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - A week after it opened at No. 1 across North America, "I Am Legend" snatched the top spot at the international box office, ending the two-week reign of domestic dud "The Golden Compass."
Will Smith's sci-fi thriller earned an estimated $25.3 million from 15 markets, taking its foreign haul to $54.3 million after two weekends. "Legend" finished first in each of its seven new territories, including France ($7.6 million) and Spain ($5.8 million).
"The Golden Compass" followed with $23.9 million from 49 markets, lifting its international total to $130 million. The $180 million family fantasy has earned just $48 million after three weekends in North America.
New North American champ "National Treasure: Book of Secrets" opened at No. 3 internationally with $22.3 million from 17 markets. The Nicolas Cage adventure opened at No. 1 in all of its markets except Italy and Spain, where it was No. 2. The biggest bows were in Japan ($3.6 million) and Korea ($3.5 million). Openings in Russia and Mexico loom this weekend.
"Enchanted" was No. 4 internationally, grossing $15.8 million from 41 countries, lifting its foreign tally to $77.7 million. Key markets include the U.K. ($13.3 million) and France ($10.7 million).
"Alvin and the Chipmunks" came in at No. 5 with $13 million from 38 markets, of which 28 were new. The kids cartoon grabbed the No. 1 spot in Mexico with $1.7 million. The foreign total stands at $15.5 million.
Other totals include: "Beowulf" ($105 million), "The Heartbreak Kid" ($85.8 million), "Bee Movie" ($78 million), "American Gangster" ($55.1 million), "Hitman" ($41.3 million), "Elizabeth: The Golden Age" ($38.3 million), "Atonement" ($33 million) and "Fred Claus" ($22.8 million).
Reuters/Hollywood Reporter