Gladiator II only entertained audiences in the US, Canada and China on Friday, but scored the highest international opening ever for a Ridley Scott film last weekend, raking in $87 million.

The film premiered in 63 countries at the end of last week, including Britain, where it collected $11.4 million from 722 locations. It also performed particularly strongly in France ($10.3 million in 729 locations).

However, this opening is a touch weaker than that for February’s blockbuster sequel, Dune: Part Two, which grossed $97 million internationally in its first weekend. Meanwhile, Pixar’s Inside Out 2 earned $140 million during the same period, and Disney’s Deadpool & Wolverine made $233 million.

However, it is significantly higher than Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, which earned $30 million internationally in its first weekend, and Ryan Gosling/Emily Blunt action comedy The Fall Guy ($36.7 million).

The cast and crew of Gladiator II have been on a weeks-long global press tour that culminated last week with a screening attended by King Charles III in London. It is also working with dozens of international brands to better boost its profile, including a brand of Mexican cookies, a connection to Rome’s public transportation system and a campaign with German bank VR.

In Australia, a limited edition range of pistachio-heavy puds and drinks called the Emperor’s Collection was available in Oliver Brown dessert shops. Meanwhile, Parisian chain French Coffee Shop is offering a Gladiator II salted caramel latte.

Hopes are high that Scott’s belated sequel can boost the global box office in the last month and a half of the year, following disappointing figures for Venom: The Last Dance and The Rock’s comedy Red One, which opened around the world last week.

Gladiator II opens in the US on the same day as the highly anticipated musical Wicked, leading some to anticipate a Barbenheimer-style battle for the top spot – although double-bill outings are likely to be less popular.