IMAX Speeds to Biggest Hollywood Opening Since 2019 as "F9" Scores $14 Million in Full-Throttle Debut

Rhea-AI Summary

IMAX recorded a significant $14 million from the international launch of Universal's "F9" across 800 screens in various regions, marking the biggest Hollywood opening since December 2019. China led with $12.4 million, representing 9.2% of "F9"'s gross on just 1% of screens. This sets a new performance benchmark for IMAX in the franchise. CEO Rich Gelfond highlighted a resurgence in moviegoing, indicating strong pent-up demand. The film's success is expected to enhance box office recovery globally.

Positive

• Achieved $14 million in international sales from "F9", marking the largest Hollywood opening since 2019.
• China contributed $12.4 million, a franchise record for IMAX, totaling 9.2% of the film's gross on just 1% of screens.
• Strong demand in key markets like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, indicating a robust recovery in movie attendance.

Negative

• None.

NEW YORK, May 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- IMAX (NYSE: IMAX) raced to a blazing start for the 2021 summer box office season with the strong international debut of Universal's "F9," which delivered $14 million across 800 IMAX screens in China, the Middle East, Russia, and South Korea. Despite opening in a limited number of markets, the latest "Fast & Furious" epic drove IMAX to its biggest opening weekend for a Hollywood film since December 2019 and its second biggest international opening weekend ever in the month of May.

"Summer blockbuster season has arrived with the strong debut of "F9," and it's clear there is healthy pent-up demand among global audiences as big, highly anticipated Hollywood movies return to theaters," said Rich Gelfond, CEO of IMAX. "'Universal's bold strategy to launch the release of "F9" in China and jump start the summer clearly paid off, and the early success of the film bodes well for the continued rebound of the global box office."

China led the way with a $12.4 million opening weekend on IMAX screens, as Chinese audiences continued to drive the global resurgence in moviegoing. IMAX delivered 9.2% of "F9"'s weekend gross in China on only 1% of overall screens — a franchise-best for IMAX China that edged out its 8.8% opening weekend share for 2013's "Furious 6." "F9" also scored the biggest opening day in China for the franchise in IMAX.

"F9" also delivered the biggest opening weekend for IMAX since 2019 in both Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

IMAX continues to drive strong market share in China in the pandemic era, despite accounting for only 1% of total screens in the market. The performance of "F9" continues the resurgence of the Asian box office, including the number-one and two highest grossing IMAX releases in Japan of all time and the second highest grossing Chinese New Year holiday for IMAX China.

About IMAX Corporation

IMAX, an innovator in entertainment technology, combines proprietary software, architecture and equipment to create experiences that take you beyond the edge of your seat to a world you've never imagined. Top filmmakers and studios are utilizing IMAX theaters to connect with audiences in extraordinary ways, and, as such, IMAX's network is among the most important and successful theatrical distribution platforms for major event films around the globe. 

IMAX is headquartered in New York, Toronto, and Los Angeles, with additional offices in London, Dublin, Tokyo, and Shanghai. As of March 31, 2021, there were 1,652 IMAX theater systems (1,567 commercial multiplexes, 12 commercial destinations, 73 institutional) operating in 84 countries and territories. Shares of IMAX China Holding, Inc., a subsidiary of IMAX Corporation, trade on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange under the stock code "1970." 

IMAX^®, IMAX^® Dome, IMAX^® 3D, IMAX^® 3D Dome, Experience It In IMAX^®, The IMAX Experience^®, An IMAX Experience^®, An IMAX 3D Experience^®, IMAX DMR^®, DMR^®, IMAX nXos^® and Films to the Fullest^®, are trademarks and trade names of the Company or its subsidiaries that are registered or otherwise protected under laws of various jurisdictions. More information about the Company can be found at www.imax.com. You may also connect with IMAX on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/imax), Facebook (www.facebook.com/imax), Twitter (www.twitter.com/imax) and YouTube (www.youtube.com/imaxmovies).

CONTACTS: 

Press   
Mark Jafar
mjafar@imax.com 
212-821-0102

Investors 
Brett Harriss
bharriss@imax.com 
212-821-0187 

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SOURCE IMAX Corporation

FAQ

What was IMAX's international revenue for the opening of "F9"?

IMAX generated $14 million from the international debut of "F9".

How did "F9" perform in China for IMAX?

In China, "F9" earned $12.4 million, representing 9.2% of its weekend gross.

When was the last time IMAX had a Hollywood opening this big?

This is IMAX's biggest Hollywood opening since December 2019.

What does the success of "F9" signify for IMAX?

The success of "F9" indicates strong pent-up demand and a rebound in global box office attendance.