Bots storm 'Smurf' turf overseas

The very first time in nine days, "The Smurfs" did not rule the worldwide B.O. Rather, Disney's robo-martial artists in "Real Steel" won overseas boasting privileges for that March. 7-9 sesh."Real Steel," which released in 19 areas (25% from the worldwide market), first showed with $22.six million, scoring No. 1 perfs in marketplaces like Australia, Mexico and Russia, in which the pic gained one-third of their entire bow, with $7.4 million. Oz led $4.a million and Mexico, $3.a million.InchThe Smurfs" totalled $8.5 million overall, with Oz the pic's top territory at $2.two million.InchSmurfs" has handled to remain atop the worldwide B.O., mainly due to deficiencies in cool product entering the marketplace.Even though "Real Steel" continues to have lots of marketplaces to go in, the film were built with a wide-enough bow to eclipse "Smurfs" overall. That has not been the situation for previous records, many of which have prevented extensive day-and-date releases. Publish-summer time, early-fall berths aren't extremely popular overseas, because most moviegoers spend the rest of the days of summer time outdoors, and many fall holidays don't arrive until around mid-October -- a boom time to see relatives fare.Universal came nearest to surpassing Sony's "Smurfs" throughout the pic's eight days atop foreign wickets, using the launch of "Johnny British Reborn" the weekend of Sept. 16.Within the March. 7-9 weekend, "Johnny British" designed a run at "Real Steel," adding 10 marketplaces and grossing $21.a million in the 4th frame, including star Rowan Atkinson's best bow ever within the U.K. at $7.8 million. Pic also opened up on the top in Germany, with $3.9 million. The pic has cumed $61 million in the worldwide box office, and it is poised to experience into summer break both in nations within the next couple of days. Contact Andrew Stewart at andrew.stewart@variety.com