‘300’ sequel has cutting edge at box office

The shirtless warriors of the 300 sequel, Rise of an Empire, ravaged the post-Oscars box-office weekend with an American debut of $45.1m (€32.5m) but an even bigger international haul of $87.8m.

Seven years after the original 300 became an unlikely, ultra-stylish, blood-soaked sensation, Warner Bros’ 3-D follow-up showed considerable might at the box office.

While 300: Rise of an Empire didn’t come close to the North American debut of Zack Snyder’s 2007 original ($70.9m and without the benefit of 3-D ticket prices), it performed like a blockbuster overseas.