‘Skyfall’ rises in foreign markets

James Bond has raked in nearly $300 million at the box office before even opening in the U.S.

“Skyfall,” the 23rd entry in the Bond spy series and the third starring Daniel Craig, grossed a massive $156 million over the weekend in 81 countries, bringing its total box office after less than two weeks abroad to $287 million.

Among the countries where it had big openings this past weekend — significantly bigger than the last two Bond movies, “Quantum of Solace” and “Casino Royale” — were Germany, Italy, Spain, Holland, Austria, India, Taiwan and Mexico (though it was beaten by Disney’s animated comedy “Wreck-It Ralph” in Mexico).

Among the 25 foreign markets where “Skyfall” opened the previous weekend, several held on well. In the United Kingdom, ticket sales were down only 21% as the Bond film grossed $25.7 million and brought its 10-day total to $85.8 million. It also enjoyed modest drops in Brazil, France and Sweden.

“Skyfall” is now certain to have more than $300 million in ticket sales under its belt before opening Friday in the U.S. and Canada, where pre-release surveys indicate it should have a strong opening.

That’s good news for independent studio Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, which owns 75% of the movie; Sony Pictures, which owns the other 25%; and producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, who take a significant chunk of the profits. “Skyfall” cost just under $200 million to make.

— Ben Fritz