Bong Joon-ho, the acclaimed director celebrated for his Oscar-winning film *Parasite*, has once more captivated audiences with his new sci-fi epic, *Mickey 17*. The film made its explosive debut in South Korea, where it amassed an impressive estimated $9 million over the four-day weekend that included the nation’s Independence Day holiday. This stellar opening not only represents the largest weekend gross of 2025 thus far but also marks Warner Bros’ strongest launch since 2019. For Robert Pattinson, the star of *Mickey 17*, this release stands as his best opening in Korea to date.
The film, which boasts a unique blend of humor and socio-political commentary, resonates well with Korean viewers, attaining a remarkable 70% market share. What makes the opening particularly notable is its non-traditional Friday release, which sets the stage for a global rollout, scheduled for the upcoming week. This will encompass a myriad of significant markets, including major territories like China, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom.
In an industry where box office comparisons are the norm, *Mickey 17* surpassed several anticipated films, including *Dune: Part Two* and *Alien: Romulus*, with significant margins, scoring leads of 10% and 33%, respectively. Its robust opening has experts surprised, given the competitive nature of this year’s film landscape, which is thriving with major releases.
The film’s three-day figure of approximately $7 million points to a steady demand, with an additional $600,000 generated from IMAX screenings, accounting for 9% of total earnings. Bong Joon-ho’s deft storytelling combined with star power seems to create a perfect storm that has already drawn audiences in droves.
In other significant market developments, the anticipated Chinese sequel *Ne Zha 2* has continued to thrive, reportedly set to gross over $1.9 billion domestically. By tracking box office analytics from Maoyan, estimates suggest its weekend figure pushes the film’s total gross in China to between $1.962 billion and $1.984 billion. When combined with an $18 million haul from North America, figures indicate that *Ne Zha 2* could be nearing the monumental $2 billion mark.
This revenue milestone positions *Ne Zha 2* among the elite ranks of films surpassing $2 billion globally, signifying the continued power of the Chinese market and the film’s strong connect with its audience. Experts anticipate further updates on these revenues, providing more clarity on its final standings as the weekend winds down.
Marvel’s ‘Captain America: Brave New World’ Holds Steady
While *Mickey 17* and *Ne Zha 2* garner attention, Marvel and Disney’s *Captain America: Brave New World* has also made its presence felt globally. With $18.8 million earned in 52 international markets, it now possesses an overseas gross of $178.1 million, contributing to an overall worldwide total of $341.8 million.
The film’s success is attributed to robust performances in top markets, including the UK and China, which lined its pockets with $19.8 million and $14.2 million, respectively. The resilience of *Captain America: Brave New World*, despite a 47% drop from the prior week, reflects the loyal fan following and Marvel’s solid brand power.
Another noteworthy mention is Universal’s *Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy*, which has managed to enthrall audiences overseas by adding another $14.6 million in its third week. Its adherence to familiar themes of romance and comedic misadventures has attracted nearly $90.2 million across various international markets, with a nearing total gross of $95.7 million once French estimates are accounted for.
The film’s appeal in key European markets showcases the character’s enduring marketability. Furthermore, its performance in Germany particularly stands out where it triumphed with a No. 1 opening that aligns similarly with former hits like *Ticket to Paradise*.
With mega-releases on the horizon and widespread anticipation surrounding them, the upcoming weeks promise to be pivotal in the global box office scene. As shows wrap up and numbers begin to crystallize, it remains evident that Bong Joon-ho’s *Mickey 17* has already made a formidable mark, not just in Korea but as it heads into the international spotlight. The film’s success can set a precedent for future cinematic endeavors, pushing the boundaries of genre conventions while engaging audiences worldwide.