'Noah's Huge International Box Office: More Bible Stories Heading Our Way?

Hollywood may not be a religious by nature, but the town’s power players listen to the voice of international ticket sales.

Those voices spoke loud and clear over the weekend with Paramount’s Noah, the Biblical tale which split audiences but racked up impressive sales figures here and abroad.

In fact, in Russia, Noah debuted at $17.2 million, the fourth biggest opening and biggest non-sequel opening ever in that country.

The US domestic take for opening weekend will be $44 million, according to Paramount. Internationally, it earned $33.6 to bring the overseas cumulative box office to $51.1 million. The film opened in some international markets last week.

That’s a total global gross of $95.1 million so far.

Rob Moore, Vice Chairman of Paramount Pictures, says Noah’s international clout could make Hollywood more eager to pursue Bible-based stories in the future.