Turns out, Meg 2: The Trench is just as concerned with big box office takings as it is big sharks. Despite negative reviews and a limited press tour due to the SAG-AFTRA strike, the sci-fi action sequel officially beat out Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer for the number two spot during its opening weekend, taking $30 million in the US, as opposed to the acclaimed historical epic's $28.7 million.
Internationally, Meg 2 fared even better, pulling in $142 million. Its predecessor, The Meg, made over $530.2 million worldwide but given Barbie and Oppenheimer's current domination of global cinemas, the follow-up's estimations were expectedly lower. In a surprising turn of events, though, Meg 2 opened above the first film's initial $101.5 million. Its success overseas is likely due in part to its diverse cast, with Jason Statham sharing the screen with one of China's most profitable stars Wu Jing.
