This file image released by Warner Bros. Entertainment shows Jason Statham in a scene from the film, “The Meg.” The shark thriller “The Meg” became the latest success in Hollywood’s sizzling summer, opening well above expectations with $44.5 million in ticket sales, according to box office estimates.
NEW YORK—Adding to Hollywood’s sizzling summer, the shark thriller “The Meg” opened well above expectations with an estimated 44.5 million in ticket sales.
An American-Chinese co-production between Warner Bros. and China’s Gravity Pictures, “The Meg” also debuted well overseas, taking in 50.3 million in China and totaling 96.8 million internationally, according to studio estimates Sunday.
With an international cast led by Jason Statham and featuring Li Bingbing, Rainn Wilson and Winston Chao, “The Meg” cost at least 130 million to make.
The shark movie—43 years after Steven Spielberg’s “Jaws”—has been showing surprising bite at the box office. Jeff Goldstein, distribution chief for Warner Bros., said late summer was ideal
timing for “The Meg.”
“This was a fun, dumb popcorn movie that just looked interesting to the public everywhere around the world,” Goldstein said. “We dug our heels in and said: This is the right time to go. The last movie, as kids are going back to school. All the big blockbusters have played off. We’re in a space by ourselves.”
