The superhero saga “The Avengers” lived up to its blockbuster buzz, raking in $178.4 million in overseas ticket sales days before it opens in US theaters.
Domestic audiences generally passed on some new flicks, as fans seemed to be in anticipation mode for Disney’s “The Avengers,” which debuts here Friday, after launching in 39 other countries a week earlier.
The huge overseas opening will help fan the frenzy already in place for the superhero mash-up of Marvel Comics idols, whose cast includes Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson, Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth and Mark Ruffalo.
The Sony Screen Gems ensemble comedy “Think Like a Man” was No. 1 domestically for the second straight weekend, with $18 million.
Four movies were bunched up for the No. 2 spot in the $11 million range: Sony’s animated comedy “The Pirates! Band of Misfits,” the Warner Bros. romantic drama “The Lucky One,” Lionsgate’s blockbuster “The Hunger Games” and Universal’s rom-com “The Five-Year Engagement.”
“Safe,” from Lionsgate, came in at No. 6, with $7.7 million.