Los Angeles — “Michael Jackson’s This Is It” pulled in $101 million worldwide in its first five days, and distributor Sony is extending the farewell performance film beyond its planned two-week run.
The film was the No. 1 release domestically with a $21.3 million opening weekend, according to studio estimates Sunday.
The previous weekend’s No. 1 movie, Paramount’s low-budget horror sensation “Paranormal Activity,” slipped to No. 2 with $16.5 million, lifting its total to $84.8 million.
“This Is It” raised its domestic total to $32.5 million. The movie pulled in $68.5 million overseas, including $10.4 million in Japan, $6.3 million in Germany, $5.8 million in France and $3.2 million in China.
In Great Britain, where Jackson had planned a marathon series of 50 London concerts starting last July, the movie earned $7.6 million.
“This Is It” captures Jackson in behind-the-scenes performances in the weeks before his death last June, as he rehearsed his biggest hits for the London shows.
“This Is It” originally was scheduled for a theatrical run of only two weeks. The studio has extended it a few more weeks domestically, leaving it in theaters through Thanksgiving weekend, one of the year’s busiest moviegoing times.
Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Hollywood.com:
“Michael Jackson’s This Is It,” $21.3 million.
“Paranormal Activity,” $16.5 million.
“Law Abiding Citizen,” $7.3 million.
“Couples Retreat,” $6.1 million.
“Saw VI,” $5.6 million.
“Where the Wild Things Are,” $5.1 million.
“The Stepfather,” $3.4 million.
“Astro Boy,” $3.04 million.
“Amelia,” $3 million.
“Cirque du Freak: The Vampire’s Assistant,” $2.8 million.
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