‘Fantastic Beasts’ Crosses $200 Million Milestone at International Box Office

The wand of Newt Scamander continues to cast a spell on the international box office as “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” toppled the $200 million milestone after Friday screenings were recorded. Its international total stands at $227.1 million as of Saturday morning.

In China, the film opened to a strong $11.1 million from over 11,600 screens putting it at number one in the country, and lifting it above all other opening days in the Potter franchise. In Japan, “Fantastic Beasts” has enjoyed a three-day cume of $8.2 million

The U.K. continues to fawn over the magical tale, with grosses currently totaling $29 million — the highest total of all international territories.

“Fantastic Beasts” stars Eddie Redmayne as Scamander, an expert in the realm of magical creatures, who runs into trouble when beasts escape from his magical bag and run rampant around New York City. David Yates directed the film based on J.K. Rowling’s script. Colin Farrell, Dan Fogler, Katherine Waterston and Samantha Morton also star in what is set to become a five-film franchise.

The film continues to show strong in the U.S. as well. While Disney’s “Moana” will take the top slot in its debut weekend, “Fantastic Beasts” should slot a strong second place finish in its second weekend, far above the third place “Doctor Strange,” now in its fourth round of showings. By the weekend’s end, “Fantastic Beasts” should break $150 million in domestic grosses alone.

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