The much-anticipated big-screen version of the hot video game "Warcraft" has recorded an impressive $20.4 million advanced ticket sales, barely two days before it hits Chinese cinemas.
According to Variety, "Warcraft" has the third-highest midnight pre-sales for China, just behind "Furious 7" and "Avengers: Age of Ultron."
The movie's IMAX pre-sales in China have now broken the record at $6 million, a far cry from the $3.7 million generated by "Captain America: Civil War" a day before its opening.
"Warcraft" has likewise sold out all of the 285 IMAX midnight screenings with $825,000 in advanced sales, per Variety. These figures trump "Furious 7," which had $810,000.
The adaptation is also performing well globally. It has grossed $29.9 million in 28 territories, with its overall box-office records reaching $70 million after two weeks since its release.
Russia contributed the most with $17.3 million, followed by Germany and France with $10 million and $7.8 million, respectively.
With these numbers, many are guessing that the fantasy film could beat the $391 million of "Furious 7."
"There is no question that 'Warcraft' is a monster itself, although there are a couple of factors to keep in mind when comparing to Universal's own F7," Deadline Hollywood wrote. "That film opened on a Sunday, logging the highest box office, widest release and biggest attendance ever in one day for China with 420 yuan or $68.8 million at the time."
"The Orcs invade Chinese theaters officially on Wednesday, coming at the end of the high school exams period and as the Dragon Boat Festival holiday kicks in on Thursday," the entertainment website said. "As one person put it, 'that's like having five Saturdays in a row' although some people will be working."
Produced by Charles Roven and directed by Duncan Jones, "Warcraft" stars Dominic Cooper, Ben Foster, Travis Fimmel, Toby Kebbell, Ruth Negga and Robert Kazinsky.