"Wanted" is hot shot at foreign box office

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - Angelina Jolie is the most "Wanted" woman at the foreign box office. Her action thriller, which opened at No. 2 in North America with surprisingly strong weekend sales of $51 million, was the top choice internationally with $32.5 million from 22 territories.

It opened at No. 1 in 18 markets, highlighted by a record-breaking bow in Russia ($11 million), where "Wanted" director Timur Bekmambetov enjoyed such hits as "Night Watch" and "Day Watch." Other No. 1 openings included Thailand, Ukraine, Turkey and Poland.

The ultra violent adaptation from a series of graphic novels by Mark Millar and J.G. Jones earned $7.6 million in the U.K., second to fellow rookie "The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian" ($8.1 million).

"Wanted," which will be released around the world during the next three months, will be confronted this coming weekend by Will Smith superhero "Hancock," which is set to open in 49 territories, including the U.K., Germany, Australia, Brazil and Korea.

"Kung Fu Panda" was No. 2 overseas with $23.3 million, followed by "Prince Caspian" ($19.3 million), "Get Smart" ($12.3 million), "The Incredible Hulk" ($11.8 million), "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" ($11.7 million), "Sex and the City" ($11.2 million) and "The Happening" ($7.4 million).

At the same time, new North American champ "WALL-E" teed off promisingly in six Latin American countries to begin a staggered global rollout that ends in Japan on December 5. The cartoon earned $3.1 million, headed by Brazil's $1.4 million.

"Kung Fu Panda" hit the top in Australia with a powerful $6.9 million, and has reached $101.1 million in a little over three sessions of staggered releases in only 14 markets. Top contributors include South Korea ($24.3 million) and Russia ($19.5 million).

In addition to lording over U.K. theaters, "Prince Caspian" ruled in France ($6.1 million). The international total for the domestic disappointment rose to $161.2 million.

Other foreign totals: "Get Smart," $20.5 million; "Sex and the City," $194.3 million; "Indiana Jones," $413.3 million; "The Incredible Hulk," $84.7 million; "The Happening," $69.9 million; "You Don't Mess With the Zohan," $19.4 million; and "What Happens in Vegas," $124.9 million. [Source from: Reuters/Hollywood Reporter]