Ridley Scott’s highly anticipated film, Napoleon, has exceeded expectations with an estimated $21 million in worldwide earnings since its release. The Apple Original Films and Sony Pictures action epic is projected to achieve a staggering $70-73 million global opening in just five days. The international box office alone is expected to contribute $40 million to this impressive figure.
Napoleon made a strong entrance into eight overseas markets on Wednesday, including France and the UK, where it premiered on a non-traditional Wednesday. The film expanded to an additional 40 markets the following day, resulting in a cumulative overseas gross of $8.9 million over the first two days. It is worth noting that Napoleon has claimed the number one spot in every market it has been released in so far, including Oz, Brazil, Germany, Italy, and Mexico.
The film is set to premiere in 56 countries this weekend, representing an impressive 85% of its total international release footprint. Notable releases include Spain, with more countries to follow, such as China and Japan on December 1, and Korea on December 6. With the film’s strong start in mature European markets, expectations are high for these regions to continue leading the box office.
Despite receiving a relatively low critical score of 2.9 on AlloCiné, Napoleon has experienced a surprisingly strong start in France. With earnings of $1.74 million, the film has exceeded expectations in a market known for its discerning taste. The success of Napoleon in France is a testament to its compelling storytelling and the enduring popularity of historical epics.
In response to the initial harsh reviews, Ridley Scott, the film’s director, remained unfazed and expressed his confidence in Napoleon. In an interview with the BBC, he boldly stated, “The French don’t even like themselves.” His unwavering belief in the film’s quality and appeal to international audiences seems to be paying off, as it continues to exceed expectations at the box office.
Ridley Scott’s Napoleon is set for global box office success, with an impressive opening and strong performance in key international markets. Despite initial skepticism from critics, the film’s compelling storytelling and Ridley Scott’s confidence have propelled it to surpass expectations. As the film continues its international release, all eyes are on whether it will maintain this momentum and cement its place as a blockbuster hit.