Distributor Warner Bros. says /*"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2"*/ took in $43.6 million in 26 countries outside the United States on its first day Wednesday.
Studio executives said Thursday the franchise finale had the biggest opening day ever in several countries, including Australia with $7.5 million, Italy with $4.6 million, and Sweden with $2.1 million. In France, the studio said "Deathly Hallows: Part 2" had the biggest Wednesday opening ever at $7.1 million.
"Deathly Hallows" continues opening worldwide Thursday and Friday.
In the countries where it opened Wednesday, total revenues were 82 percent higher than they were on the first day for "Deathly Hallows: Part 1" last November, according to Warner Bros.
The finale got a boost from the franchise's first 3-D installment. Admissions for 3-D screenings, which cost a few dollars more than 2-D showings, accounted for 65 percent of revenues, the studio said.
"Deathly Hallows" continues opening worldwide Thursday and Friday.
In the United States, the film is expected to put up
franchise-record numbers as it debuts just after midnight Friday.If fan frenzy is strong enough, "Deathly Hallows: Part 2" could become the first of the eight "Harry Potter" films to top $1 billion at the box office worldwide.
The record-holder remains the franchise's first film, 2001's "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," with $974.8 million globally.
