NEW YORK: A wave of feverish anticipation, fawning critical acclaim and groundbreaking cultural meaning pushed "Black Panther" to a record-setting $192 million debut in US and Canada theatres, firmly establishing the superhero sensation as a box-office landmark.
The movie scored the top opening day ever for a February release in Thailand, as well as the Philippines and Indonesia.
This image released by Disney shows Lupita Nyong'o, left, and Letitia Wright in a scene from Marvel Studios' "Black Panther."
In estimates Sunday, Disney predicted a four-day holiday weekend of $218 million domestically and a global debut of $361 million.
Though the film's international footprint doesn't include several of the largest markets -- China, Russia and Japan -- it still ranks among the top 15 global debuts ever. It's also the highest-grossing February opening weekend.
"All hail the King of Wakanda!" Disney declared, referring to the movie's mythical and highly advanced African nation.