TMNJ.jpg (Photo : www.chinatopix.com)
Dominating the weekend box office in China, the world's second largest film market, was the reboot of the hit Hollywood cartoon "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles."
Having earned a total of approximately 208.02 million yuan ($34 million) after the weekend, "TMNT" beat another Hollywood film "The Maze Runner" and Hong Kong action film "Kung Fu Jungle," both of which debuted in China during the weekend, CRIEnglish reported.
"The Maze Runner" starring Dylan O'Brien and Ki Hong Lee earned 83.82 million yuan ($13.7 million) in its first six days on release in China; while Teddy Chan's "Kung Fu Jungle" starring Wang Baoqiang, Donnie Yen, Michelle Bai and Charlie Yeung premiered with 47.84 million yuan ($7.82 million).
During its opening weekend in China, "TMNT" grossed 162.13 million yuan ($26.5 million) from more than 4,700 theaters, beating Luc Besson's sci-fi action "Lucy" starring Scarlett Johansson, which premiered in the country with 98.93 million yuan ($16.17 million).
Directed by Jonathan Liebesman, "TMNT" stars Megan Fox as April O'Neil, Will Arnett as Vernon Fenwick, William Fichtner as Eric Sacks, Alan Ritchson as Raphael, Noel Fisher as Michelangelo, Pete Ploszek as Leonardo and Jeremy Howard as Donatello.
The box-office success of the film may be attributed to Fox and Fitchner's visit to China with producers Andrew Form and Brad Fuller along with Paramount vice chairman Rob Moore to promote the film, according to Hollywood Reporter.
During her promotional visit to Beijing, Fox was not able to attend the "TMNT" premiere after developing skin allergy. On the other hand, she was able to make it to the press conference.
Meanwhile, screening in 3D in China, "Guardians of the Galaxy" added another 35.55 million yuan ($5.81 million) over the weekend to its 580.55 million yuan ($94.89 million) earnings for 24 days in the country.
After 34 days, Ning Hao's "Breakup Buddies" earned 1.150 billion yuan ($187.97 million), which already includes 19.46 million yuan ($3.18 million) from the recent weekend box office.
