"Iron Man 2" still tops internationally

LOS ANGELES  - "Iron Man 2" ruled the foreign box office for a second round, but faces tough competition next weekend from "Robin Hood."

The superhero sequel earned $57.2 million from 61 markets, taking its accumulated overseas total to $194 million.

That puts the sequel to 2008's "Iron Man" $71 million shy of the original's total foreign gross after only 12 days of international play (it began its offshore run on April 28).

"Iron Man 2," starring Robert Downey Jr. and Gwyneth Paltrow, got a huge weekend boost from its China opening where the sequel drew $7.3 million. Paramount said the tally was 209% better than "Iron Man's" comparable opening market figure.

In Germany and Austria, "Iron Man 2" drew a combined opening tally of $3.9 million, sufficient for a No. 1 finish in each market. "Iron Man 2" remained No. 1 in such markets as Korea, Australia, Turkey, Russia, Brazil, Italy, Mexico, France, and the U.K.

Paramount opened "Iron Man 2" a week before its No. 1 North American bow this weekend to maximize foreign playtime before the June 11-July 11 World Cup soccer tournament eats into theatrical audiences, especially those for action titles.

Universal's "Robin Hood" starring Russell Crowe, will be playing in some 56 markets next weekend, following its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival on Wednesday.