Written By: Nick Poulimenakos

Justice League’s box office returns have been a heated topic ever since its debut last week. Earning $96 million in its opening weekend was seen as a disappointment by many considering that the film was projected to earn around $120 million. While the domestic totals are floundering, Justice League has been a success overseas and its debut in China proves it.

The film opened to $52.1 million, topping the Chinese box office. This was 30% more than Wonder Woman’s opening but 10% less that Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice’s debut.

Unfortunately, the film was also below Marvel’s latest winner, Thor: Ragnarok, which took in $54.7 million in its Chinese debut. Apparently it was the recognizable heroes and incredible special effects that drew the Chinese audience to the film.

With mixed reviews from critics, a box office haul like this still considered to be a surprise as Justice League marks the first time all of DC’s flagship heroes grace the silver screen at the same time. In comparison to other DCEU films, Justice League was marked with having the lowest opening of the franchise.

Furthermore, the film has received significant criticism from fans over the studio imposing itself on Zack Snyder’s vision for the film. Many have petitioned for Warner Bros. to release an extended cut of the film restoring Snyder’s deleted scenes as well as removing at least most of Joss Whedon’s reshoots. One has to wonder as well if Warner Bros’ supposed pandering to critics also kept die-hard fans from seeing the film.

Justice League is now playing in theatres.