American thriller film Now You See Me 2 enjoyed a record-breaking opening last Friday for Lionsgate in China, earning about $14.8 million.

Through Saturday, Now You See Me 2: The Second Act raked in $36.4 million in the country and is poised to hit $50 million, which is way bigger than 2013's Escape Plan, which earned only $22.8 million.

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Furthermore, the sequel to the 2013 summer hit is reportedly enjoying the top spot in China, based on unofficial local estimates, surpassing Independence Day: Resurgence.

News outlet Deadline noted the importance of partnering locally with China.  Now You See Me 2, which shot some scenes in Macau, is benefitting from Lionsgate Picture's local partner Leomus Pictures' strong movie marketing. The movie also featured an Asian superstar Jay Chou, who also provided Kung Fu Panda 3's theme song.

The Jon M. Chu-directed comedy features Jesse Eisenburg, Mark Ruffalo, Woody Harrelson, Dave Franco, Morgan Freeman, Daniel Radcliffe, Lizzy Caplan, Sanaa Lathan, and Michael Caine.

In related news, while promoting Now You See Me 2, Mark Ruffalo took a short side trip to Beijing together with his family to celebrate his son's birthday. "I love Beijing, so I must bring him along," he said, according to China Daily.

The 48-year-old Hollywood actor was seen riding the city's subway, which he said was even nicer that the ones in New York.

"Beijing Subway Scene. Not so different than NYC except nicer, newer, cleaner, and about 10% of the price for a fare," he captioned in a photo he posted on Facebook.

TagsNow You See Me 2, china, LionsGate, blockbuster