In Australia, films traditionally open on a Thursday, but Universal opened its latest in the street-racing franchise, Fast Five, last night on a Wednesday. Studio estimates show that it grossed $2.4 million (U.S. dollars) for opening day, making it No. 1 in the country for opening day with 41% market share. In U.S. dollar terms, that’s the biggest ever Universal opening day in Australia. In Australian dollar terms, it’s second only to the fourth film in the franchise, Fast & Furious, which opened on the traditional Thursday. Unfortunately, starting tomorrow, it faces stiff competition from Paramount’s Thor opening in Australia. Fast Five opens this week/weekend in four international territories — the UK, New Zealand, Australia, and Korea — then day and date April 29 in North America and nine more international territories.

Editor-in-Chief Nikki Finke - tip her here.