Fantastic Beasts Sequel Conjures Up $253 Million Global Debut

Warner Bros.’ Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, the 10th feature film in the Wizarding World, debuted to a stellar $191 million internationally. Coupled with its $62.2 million domestic debut, the sequel has brought in $253 million globally. The film’s domestic opening was softer than 2016’s Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them which opened to $74.4 million in the same release window. Directed once again by David Yates and from a script by JK Rowling, the film stars Eddie Redmayne as Newt Scamandar alongside returning stars Katherine Waterston, Dan Fogler, Alison Sudol, and Ezra Miller. They’re joined by Claudia Kim, Zoe Kravitz, Callum Turner, with Jude Law as Dumbledore and Johnny Depp as the titular Grindelwald.

Universal Pictures new animated version of Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch fell from first to second place in its second weekend, dropping just 43.5% and bringing in another $38.165 million domestically. Internationally the film continues to roll out in select markets but currently sits at a total of $25.2 million. Globally the film has brought in $151.74 million. Benedict Cumberbatch lends his voice as the title character of the animated film, it’s directed by Scott Mosier and Yarrow Cheney.

20th Century Fox’s Bohemian Rhapsody fell from second to third place with an additional $15.7 million domestically. The film’s international haul now sits at $256 million, giving it a global total of $384 million. Directed by Bryan Singer the film stars Rami Malek, Gwilym Lee, Ben Hardy, and Joseph Mazzello. Also starring are Lucy Boynton, Aiden Gillen, Tom Hollander and Mike Myers.

Paramount Pictures’ family comedy Instant Family opened in fourth place, bringing in $14.7 million at the domestic box office. Mark Wahlberg and Rose Byrne star in the new film alongside Octavia Spencer, Tig Notaro, Isabela Moner and Iliza Shlesinger.

Fox’s adult thriller Widows opened in fifth place with a $12.3 million debut, the highest opening ever for director Steve McQueen. The heist film features a star-studded ensemble including Viola Davis , Michelle Rodriguez, Elizabeth Debicki, Cynthia Erivo, Colin Farrell, Brian Tyree Henry, Daniel Kaluuya, Garret Dillahunt, Carrie Coon, Jacki Weaver, Jon Bernthal, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo with Robert Duvall and Liam Neeson.