Around-the-World Roundup: 'Real Steel,' 'Johnny English' in Close Fight
The overseas battle between Real Steel and Johnny English Reborn looks like it's going the full twelve rounds, though for the time being Real Steel has the slight edge. Rise of the Planet of the Apes leaped back up the chart thanks to a strong start in Japan, while The Smurfs finally relinquished its grasp on the top spot.

Coinciding with its domestic debut, Real Steel opened to an estimated $22.1 million in 19 foreign markets this weekend. The Hugh Jackman robot boxing movie launched in first place in Russia ($6.9 million), Australia ($5.4 million) and Mexico ($2.9 million). Distributor Walt Disney Pictures noted that all three of these openings were up from Tron Legacy (which wound up with $228 million overseas), though Tron's Holiday opening skews that comparison a bit. Real Steel is now out in roughly 25 percent of the international marketplace, and it expands in to the United Kingdom, South Korea and a handful of other territories next weekend.

Johnny English Reborn had its best weekend yet with $21.1 million from 32 territories. It had a great $7.7 million first place debut in the U.K., which is star Rowan Atkinson's best opening ever there. It also mustered a solid $3.4 million first place start in Germany. The spy spoof sequel has already earned $61.1 million and is set to open in nine more territories next weekend ahead of its U.S. debut on Oct. 21.

After leading for eight straight weekends, The Smurfs had to settle for third this weekend with $8.5 million. It added $2.2 million in Australia and $1.5 million in Italy. The movie's foreign total is now at an impressive $395.4 million, and it will pass $400 million sometime next weekend.

Rise of the Planet of the Apes added $7.8 million from 22 markets for a total of $243.8 million. Most of its weekend tally came from Japan, where it opened in first place with $6.4 million. The prequel has one territory left to open, and it's a big one: Apes is set to invade China on Oct. 28.

The Lion King's 3D re-release made some noise this weekend with an estimated $7.3 million from 28 territories (41 percent of the total overseas potential). It had its biggest debut yet with $4.3 million in the U.K., and its overseas total reached $28.1 million. Add in the movie's domestic and prior foreign grosses and it has so far made $898.4 million worldwide. On Sunday, it passed Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire to move in to the Top 20 all-time.

A week ahead of its U.S. debut, Footloose got the party started in Australia and New Zealand with $1.16 million. It expands in to seven other markets, including the U.K., next weekend.

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Other NotablesWeekend GrossGross-to-Date (in millions)

Friends with Benefits - $5.3 - $28.1

Crazy, Stupid, Love. - $5.1 - $53.2

Final Destination 5 - $3.5 - $111.7

What's Your Number? - $2.7 - $6.2

Zookeeper - $2.1 - $84.3

Fast Five - $1.6 - $410.6

The Change-Up - $1.6 - $19.9

Intruders - $1.5 - $1.5

Domestic Report:

'Real Steel' Wins Middleweight Bout

Last Weekend:

'Smurfs' Snags Eighth Straight Win



Related Charts:

• 2011 Worldwide Grosses

• All-Time Worldwide Grosses