Movies
‘Fast X’ impresses thanks to huge global opening
Although the film has brought in big numbers globally, the series appears to be losing steam domestically.
‘Fast X’ has raced out to an impressive $318.9 million debut globally, a strong number for the 10th instalment in the franchise.
That makes it the second-biggest global opening weekend of the year after another Universal title, ‘The Super Mario Bros. Movie’, which made $377 million.
However, those figures come with a somewhat disappointing North American showing, where the film brought in just $67.5 million.
That puts it behind the latest entry, 2021′s ‘F9: The Fast Saga’, which opened to $70 million. However, that was when there were still COVID restrictions and only 80 percent of theaters were open.
‘Fast’ openings prior to the pandemic had much bigger showings, with 2017′s ‘The Fate of the Furious’ ($98 million), 2015′s ‘Furious 7′ ($148 million) and 2013′s ‘Fast and Furious 6′ ($97 million) all putting up much better numbers.
However, the franchise has continued to impress at the worldwide box office thanks to strong international numbers.
Overseas tickets have accounted for as much as 75 percent of its global tally, and ‘Fast X’ will be hoping that trend continues given the film cost $340 million to make - the most expensive film in the franchise to date.
“What a tremendous global debut for this incredible, unique franchise,” says Universal president of domestic distribution Jim Orr.
“Audiences were revved up to see their beloved ‘Fast’ family back in theaters with all the spectacular action and familial themes that resonate so well across the globe.”
‘Fast X’ at the international box office
When it comes to the international box office, ‘Fast X’ brought in $251.39 million from 84 markets.
“Foreign [box office] is the series’ strength,” says David A. Gross, who runs the movie consulting firm Franchise Entertainment Research.
“These stories of good guys versus bad guys are understood everywhere around the world. This is excellent business for the genre, with outstanding international appeal.”
Louis Leterrier directs the film, and he’s also slated to direct the upcoming 11th installment. That film will be the final instalment in the main ‘Fast’ series, though there are plenty of possibilities for spinoffs.