Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation was destined to open big in China. But just how big was the question with a Tuesday date and at a time where the Middle Kingdom appears to be focused on maintaining the dominance of local titles. The film, which the tireless Tom Cruise heavily promoted in the country, includes local giant Alibaba’s first investment in a Hollywood movie. It debuted to $18.5M today making it the No.1 bow for a U.S. 2D film ever in the Middle Kingdom, and the No. 5 start for a U.S. film of all time.
With the expansion in this market since 2011’s Ghost Protocol, it’s not surprising the opening is 116% above that previous entry in the franchise.
