Harry Potter spinoff “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” hits China’s box office and earns millions in first three days. (Photo : www.fantasticbeasts.com)
Chinese fans of Harry Potter have proven that they are not old enough for magic as they mobbed to the cinemas in the first week of showing of the Harry Potter spinoff "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" and placed the film on the top spot of China's box office.
The film, written and produced by J.K. Rowling under Warner Bros., was released in China on Nov. 25, a later date than the supposed Nov. 18, which was also the release in the U.S. and the U.K.
According to an LA Times report, "Fantastic Beasts" has beaten all other films in China's box office last week with $41.2 million gross in three days.
This was not a big breaking news since Harry Potter has long established a huge fan base among Chinese.
The last installment of the Harry Potter films, "Deathly Hallows Part 2," grossed almost $61 million in China in 2011.
Following "Fantastic Beasts" in the top spot last week was the Chinese satire film "I Am Not Madame Bovary," which earned $18.6 million. Since its release on Nov. 18, its total earning was $48.2 million.
On the third spot was Disney's animated film "Moana," grossing $12.3 million in its first three days from Nov. 25, and followed by Marvel Studios' superhero film "Dr. Strange," which had earned a total of $108 million since its release on Nov. 4.
Set 70 years before the saga of Harry Potter, "Fantastic Beasts" took place in New York City where Scamander, the story's main character, magically arrives carrying a magical suitcase which hides magical creatures.
The film was directed by David Yates, and award-winning British actor Eddie Redmayne played the role of Scamander.
