Good overseas start for 'Compass'

December 11, 2007 At $51 million from 5,263 screens in 25 territories, New Line's "The Golden Compass" had a "very good" opening and is off to a "good start" in the international market. [...] the kickoff results leave undecided whether the family fantasy adventure budgeted at a reported $180 million can provide the franchise the studio is seeking to replace the extraordinary "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy. Based on the $51 million takeoff -- lowered from the $55 million Sunday estimate -- overseas distribution experts believe that the film starring Nicole Kidman, Daniel Craig and newcomer Dakota Blue Richards can ring up more than $200 million at the international boxoffice.

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