Fast X Puts Pedal To The Metal With $320M Global Opening, Despite Diminishing Domestic Returns

Speed, stunts, and the familiar scent of burnt rubber defined the latest cinematic installment of the ever-popular "Fast" franchise, "Fast X." Universal's high-octane action-adventure garnered a hefty $320 million globally in its opening weekend, securing it the title of the second-largest global opening of 2023, trailing only "The Super Mario Bros. Movie."

Domestic Slowdown, International Acceleration for Fast X

Despite blasting into the higher range of projections, the saga, notorious for pushing its limits, showed signs of hitting the brakes in North America with a domestic debut of $67.5 million. As it turned out, the 10th chapter's opening ticket sales lagged behind its predecessor, "F9: The Fast Saga" that cruised to a $70 million start in a pandemic-impacted climate. In retrospect, the earlier pre-pandemic "Fast" installments had far more revved-up starts, with "Furious 7" marking a series-high of $148 million.

The Franchise's Lifeline: International Success

However, the mega-budgeted franchise seems to have found its supercharger in the international box office, contributing to as much as 75% of its global tally. "Fast X" raced to an impressive $251.39 million across 84 markets. As Universal's president of domestic distribution, Jim Orr, aptly put it, "Audiences were revved up to see their beloved 'Fast' family back in theaters with all the spectacular action and familial themes that resonate so well across the globe."

David A. Gross of Franchise Entertainment Research agreed, noting, "These stories of good guys versus bad guys are understood everywhere around the world. This is excellent business for the genre, with outstanding international appeal."

Under the helm of director Louis Leterrier, "Fast X" sees the return of Vin Diesel's Dom Toretto and his crew taking on a lethal adversary amidst gravity-defying stunts and action. The film received mixed reviews, landing a B+ CinemaScore and a 54% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.