Logan, the final film in the Wolverine saga, pulled in one of the best openings for the X-Men franchise in China in this weekend.
With approximately 38.6% screening share, the James Mangold film earned RMB335.3 million (US$ from approximately 10.3 million admissions over three days.
This is the second best opening for the X-Men franchise. Last June, X-Men: Apocalypse earned RMB385.9 million (US$ over its first three days for a total of RMB802.7 million (US$.
However, Apocalypse was released in 3-D with a higher ticket price. Logan was released in 2-D and 2-D IMAX.
In September 2013, The Wolverine opened with RMB81.17 million (US$ over three days for a total gross of RMB249.7 million (US$.
The most violent film in the franchise, Logan has to be cut by 14 minutes to secure a release in China. Despite the cuts, the distributor was reported asked to add an advisory warning that kids of elementary school age and under must be accompanied by an adult. China currently has no rating system, and all film theoretically must be suitable for all ages. This marks the first time that authorities asked for such an warning on a general release film.
Despite having only approximately 16.7% of screenings, A Dog’s Purpose managed to open in second place with RMB118.4 million (US$ from approximately 3.95 million admissions over three days.
The animal drama originally had a 15.7% screening share on opening day, but it gradually rose to 18.1% by Sunday.
After its enormous opening weekend, Resident Evil: The Final Chapter dropped to third place with RMB116.3 million (US$ ) between Friday and Sunday. Also edited for general release in China, the horror sequel has made RMB951.4 million (US$ ) after 10 days on release.
Possibly hurt by A Dog’s Purpose, The Lego Batman Movie flopped on opening weekend. With approximately 10.1% of screenings, the animated comedy earned only RMB24.2 million (US$ ) from approximately 708,000 admissions over three days. The Warner Brothers production was released in 2-D and 3-D.
The original Lego Movie never had a theatrical release in China, but it is readily available on legal DVD and streaming services.
Local horror film Frightening Embroidery Shoes opened with only RMB3.14 million (US$ ) over three days.
Sing has made RMB175.8 million (US$ ) after 17 days. La La Land has made RMB223.8 million (US$ ) after 20 days. XXX: The Return of Xander Cage has made RMB1.075 billion (US$ ) after 24 days.
Logan is expected to top the box office for a second week as Japanese anime Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy XV and Genius open in cinemas this weekend.