Be our guest indeed! It's been proclaimed this morning that, as of this past Wednesday, the live-action adaptation of Disney's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST has elegantly waltzed beyond the $1 billion global box office mark. Directed by Bill Condon (MR. HOLMES, DREAMIGIRLS), the live-action version of Disney's timeless animated classic was released worldwide on March 16th, which means that it reached the staggering total of over $1 billion just 29 days after its debut. What's really crazy is that the film doesn't open in Japan until April 21st, signaling that the movie's grand total will only become bigger in the weeks to come.
Through Wednesday, the domestic total is $438.3M with international box office at $564.1M for a global sum of $1,002.4M. On Wednesday, Belle and her magically enchated houseware friends brought in a total of $6.8M in offshore cash, (representing 19% of the weekend) and $2.4M in North America (10% of the last frame).
As of the moment, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST stands as 2017's highest grossing film domestically, internationally, and worldwide, in addition to being the most successful live-action movie musical of all time.
I've got to say, I'm not the least bit surprised by this news. Disney's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST is one of those rare films that has managed to strike a chord with every generation since the House of Mouse debuted the original animated released in 1991. Whether it was the story, songs, or special effects, Disney's classic tale of magic, bestiality and Stockholm syndrome has something in it for just about anyone. I'm pleased to hear that this movie is doing so well, and I can't wait to see it for myself later this evening.
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, starring Emma Watson, Dan Stevens, Josh Gad, Luke Evans, Kevin Kline, Ewan McGregor, Ian McKellen, Emma Thompson and many more is playing in theaters all across the world, right now.