‘Tenet’ Hits $100M At International Box Office After China Premiere

Warner Bros’ “Tenet” already passed the $100 million mark. Director Christopher Nolan’s film entered 9-figure territory on Saturday.

“Tenet” premiered on Aug. 26 in about 70 select territories, including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, Russia and the United Kingdom, where it earned over $53 million. Friday, Sept. 3, however, was opening day in China.

READ: 'Tenet' Star Robert Pattinson Has COVID-19, Reports Say

The mysterious sci-fi film pulled in an estimated $21 million (RMB 143 million), according to Deadline. That’s somewhat lower than expected, but it faced stiff competition from “The Eight Hundred,” a Chinese historical war drama.

Friday was also the U.S. release of "Tenet," but estimates aren’t in for the domestic box office yet. As IBT previously reported, AMC has reopened at least 420 theaters in time for the Sept. 3 release of “Tenet.” Still, there are a variety of factors keeping audiences at home.

Even if local theaters are open, most are capping capacity to adhere to social distancing and/or local laws. New Jersey will only allow theaters to hold 25 percent of their capacity. While “New Mutants” opened last weekend in 2,400 theaters, it topped the U.S. with just $7 million.

"This is a momentous weekend in the history of cinema and a big test for theaters, particularly in North America," said Paul Dergarabedian, senior box office analyst for Comscore, told NBC. "As a most unconventional blockbuster, 'Tenet' is the perfect movie to set the tone for the future of the theatrical experience in this challenging and most unusual marketplace."

Meanwhile, audiences who aren’t willing to risk a trip to the cinema for a film with mixed reviews can stay home with “Mulan.” Disney+ released the movie for $30, more expensive than the average premium rental but still less expensive than taking a family of four to the movies. It’s also more family-friendly which might be necessary with childcare options lacking during the pandemic.

“Tenet” is in theaters now.