Roadshow's 'King Arthur: Legend of the Sword' has opened on top of the box office with earnings of $2.3 million.
The fifth edition of the Disney, Jerry Bruckheimer and Johnny Depp Pirates of the Caribbean franchise easily topped the Aussie box office last weekend although the debut was well below the previous installment.
The Australian films released theatrically so far this year have grossed $42.6 million – nearly double the meagre 2016 calendar year total of $24.1 million.
Some exhibitors were hoping 'Wonder Woman' would have the potential to get to $20 million but that now seems unlikely unless there is a strong second weekend.
Universal’s 'The Mummy' reboot was No. 1 in 45 markets last weekend, ranking as the best debut ever for Tom Cruise worldwide. However, Aussie moviegoers were rather less impressed.
Universal/Illumination Entertainment’s Despicable Me 3 was an emphatic No. 1 at Australian cinemas last weekend, easily beating Sony’s bawdy buddy comedy 'Rough Night'.
Moviegoers in Australia and internationally increasingly are showing signs of fatigue with the never-ending procession of Hollywood franchises.
There was a lull in Australian films released theatrically in June so the total grosses for local titles this year has ticked up to only $42.95 million.