Guardians Vol. 2 posted similar gains in Italy on Tuesday with $1.4 million. And in New Zealand, its opening-day haul of $700,000 represented the biggest first-day take of the year so far.

Tracking suggests the quirky superhero tentpole could approach or top $100 million in its overseas debut.

In North America, Guardians Vol. 2 is tracking to launch in the $130 million-$150 million range, well ahead of the original's $94.7 million launch. The first film was a surprise hit and went on to earn $773 million globally, a rousing number considering it featured a rag-tag group of lesser-known superheroes.

Guardians Vol. 2 will also open in raft of other major territories next week, including Russia (May 4) and China (May 5).

The follow-up reunites Gunn with his cast, including Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista and Bradley Cooper. Newcomers include Kurt Russell and Sylvester Stallone. In February, a Super Bowl spot for the tentpole was one of the best-received movie ads during the game.