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Transformers sequel opens to US box office low

The Transformers franchise seems to be getting rusty.

As of Sunday morning, Transformers: The Last Knight - the fifth instalment directed by Michael Bay - looked to bring in US$69.1 million (S$95.8 million) from 4,069 domestic locations in North America during its five-day opening.

It is a franchise low for the sequel, behind the first in the modern series, which earned US$70.5 million in 2007.

The Last Knight carries an estimated US$217 million production budget.

This makes it the latest summer blockbuster to bank on overseas ticket sales to have a shot at turning a profit.

In China, the action flick made US$41 million on its opening day alone. The projected international haul through Sunday is US$196.2 million, powered by US$123.4 million from China.

FINAL CHAPTER?

While The Last Knight has been advertised as "the final chapter" and Bay's last go-around, the franchise will continue - Paramount has at least two more movies slated, including a spin-off that could star Hailee Steinfeld.

The Transformers franchise has historically been massively profitable. Together, the first four movies earned over US$1.3 billion domestically and well over US$3.5 billion worldwide.

Audiences have earned the film a B+ CinemaScore, while critics have mostly dismissed it. It currently holds a 15% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. - REUTERS

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