‘Avengers’ Starts Record Breaking Run

The Avengers is off to a rocking start at the international box office, scoring the second-highest opening of all time in Australia behind Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2. The Marvel Studios and Disney tentpole grossed $6 million, compared to $7 million for Deathly Hallows Part 2. Additionally, Avengers opened 214 percent ahead of Iron Man 2 ($1.8 million).

The Joss Whedon helmed superhero film earned an eye-popping $17.1 million from only 10 markets on Wednesday, impressing studio rivals. On top of that Avengers posted the biggest opening day ever in New Zealand, earning $800,000. The film also opened to $2.9 million in France and an even stronger $3.7 million in Italy — the second biggest opening day for Disney and the second best for a Marvel title.