Disney' "The Jungle Book" far outperformed initial expectations at the box office that pegged the film for a $70 million opening weekend. In reality, the Jon Favreau-directed live-action fairy tale took in north of $103 million, positioning it for one of the more profitable Hollywood runs in 2016.
As of now, "The Jungle Book" has earned $255.8 million domestically and $452.8 million overseas for an impressive worldwide total of $708.6 million. That number ranks "The Jungle Book" as this year's fourth-highest grossing film and Disney's second 2016 feature to cross the $700 million mark along with "Zootopia."
"The Jungle Book" surpassed $600 million on April 29 and has since added more than $100 million to its global total due to strongholds in North America. In the United States, "The Jungle Books" has held onto the No. 1 ranking at the box office every day of its release and has been the top earner in three consecutive weekends. This past weekend's earnings of $43.7 million marked the sixth-best third weekend of all time.
In China, which is rapidly becoming the most important international market for box office success, "The Jungle Book" has earned $138.8 million to become Disney's third-largest release in the country. In India, "The Jungle Book" has already become the highest-grossing Hollywood release of all time with $34.4 million. Other important markets include France ($19.4 million), Mexico ($19.9 million) and the U.K. ($48 million). The film hasn't even yet opened in Korea (June 9) or Japan (Aug. 11).
Disney, which owns Marvel and Lucasfilm, is in the midst of one of the most impressive box office runs a major Hollywood studio has ever enjoyed. Starting with "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" ($2.06 billion) in December of 2015 and continuing this weekend with the release of "Captain America: Civil War," the Mouse House is poised for one of the most financially profitable years in Hollywood history.
"The Jungle Book" stars newcomer Neel Sethi and features voice performances by Bill Murray, Ben Kingsley, Idris Elba, Lupita Nyong'o, Scarlett Johansson and Christopher Walken. The film boasts an impressive 94 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes as well as an A CinemaScore from audiences.
Follow Brandon Katz at @Great_Katzby
