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Disney and Marvel's Avengers: Infinity War kicked off the summer box office in high style over the weekend, opening to a record-setting $258.2 million in North America and $382.7 million overseas for a global total of $640.9 million, the top worldwide debut of all time, according to final numbers.

 

The superhero accomplished the feat without China, where it doesn't unfurl until May 11.

 

“Avengers: Infinity War” is the second smash for Marvel in a matter of months. “Black Panther,” also filmed in Atlanta and released in February, has sailed past the $1 billion mark internationally ($688 million domestic).

 

Final numbers released Monday were up from Sunday's estimates, which showed Infinity War debuting to $250 million domestically and $630 million internationally.

 

Fellow Disney title Star Wars: The Force Awakens ($248 million) was the previous record-holder for biggest domestic bow, while Universal's The Fate of the Furious had held the record for biggest global start ($541.9 million).

 

Infinity War's box-office victory was aided by the biggest Saturday of all time in North America ($83 million), as well as the biggest Sunday ($69 million), reflecting powerful word of mouth.

 

"Marvel spent 10 years methodically and carefully creating a universe of characters, worlds and stories that all led to this and, in doing so, created an event unlike anything the business has ever seen," said Disney distribution chief Dave Hollis as he prepares to exit the top post and turn his job over to studio veteran Cathleen Taff.

 

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