“Guardians of the Galaxy” opened to an estimated $26.6 million at the Chinese box office this weekend, setting an October record.
The “Guardians” debut easily eclipsed the previous October best opening of $18.1 million posted by “The Wolverine” last year. It’s also the third-highest opening for any Disney release there, after only “Iron Man 3” ($64.5 million) and “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” ($38.8 million).
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The China opening lifts the global total for “Guardians” to $687 million, passing the $663 million haul of “Man Of Steel.” “Guardians” has taken in $361 million overseas and it remains the highest-grossing film of the year at the domestic box office with $326 million.
James Gunn directed “Guardians,” which stars Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana and Dave Bautista — with Vin Diesel and Bradley Cooper voicing a talking tree and a heavily armed raccoon.
Disney has set the sequel for July of 2017