"Skyfall" is off and running overseas, with a $77 million haul in its debut in 25 foreign markets.
Setting the pace was U,K., where the 23rd film in the 50-year-old franchise opened to an estimated $32.4 million. That's the year's biggest there and the U.K.'s second-best Friday-to-Sunday opening weekend ever, behind just "Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows Part 2."
"Quantum of Solace," the previous film in the franchise, had a $25 million opening weekend in the U.K. in 2008. It went on to take in more than $80 million there, on its way to a global haul of $586 million.
Other impressive bows included France, where "Skyfall" took in $9.1 million; Russia, where it made $8.6 million; Brazil at $6.5 million and Korea, where it brought in $6.1 million.
Also read: 'Argo' Rises to No. 1 as 'Cloud Atlas' Fails to Ignite at Box Office
The Imax numbers for "Skyfall" were sensational. It took in $3.5 million in 79 locations over 15 territories for a whopping $45,000 per-screen aveage. That's the best international non-summer/non-holiday opening in the company's history
"Skyfall" stars Daniel Craig as 007. Sam Mendes ("Revolutionary Road") directs a cast that includes Judi Dench, Javier Bardem, Ralph Fiennes and Naomie Harris.
Bond movies hardly need a boost in the U.K., but this one got a ton of exposure in July when Craig helped open the London Olympics along with the Queen.
Sony will open "Skyfall" in the U.S. on Nov. 9.
