Animated sequel Kung Fu Panda 3 pulled in a remarkable $57 million during its launch over the weekend in China, marking the biggest animated opening of all time. It even surpassed US's opening at $41 million.

The first major US-China co-production film surpassed Minions as the top animated opener in China at $50 million in its first eight days. Kung Fu Panda 3 was produced by a collaboration between DreamWorks Animation and Oriental DreamWorks with backing from the China Film Group.

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Directed by Jennifer Yuh Nelson together with Alessandro Carloni, the latest Kung Fu Panda sequel sees Po meeting his biological father as well as graduating to become a martial arts teacher. The film stars the voices of Jack Black, Angelina Jolie, Jackie Chan, Seth Rogen and Dustin Hoffman.

The computer-animated action comedy martial arts film also set a new opening record on Imax garnering $3.8 million on more than 270 Imax screens, beating How to Train Your Dragon 2 record at $2.9 million. Moreover, of the 20 top grossing locations, 12 were Imax sites.

The third installment of the Kung Fu Panda series also hit other four international markets, including Russia at $5.1 million and South Korean $11.4 million, for a total worldwide opening of $116 million. Oriental DreamWorks is managing the opening in China and Korea, while Fox for US and most other markets.

Kung Fu Panda 3 is given a local co-production status, which means it is not one of the 34-title yearly quota of China for American movies, and it can also play longer than the 30-day limit amid the upcoming blackout period. The $145-million-budget film is also being shown in the Mandarin language featuring the local voice of Jackie Chan.

Over the weekend, Kung Fu Panda 3 topped the international movie market. Tailing behind is The Revenant with $24.3 million after opening in 62 markets. Leonardo DiCaprio's chronicle has also reached $274 million worldwide.

American science fiction thriller film The 5th Wave by Sony ranks third globally at $13 million in 67 markets, with a foreign total of $45 million. Star Wars: The Force Awakens by Disney at $12.6 million with a total of $1.087 billion.  

Tagskung fu panda 3, animated films, DreamWorks Animation, OrientalWorks, China Film Group