‘Furious 7’ is already killing it at the box office

LOS ANGELES — Universal’s “Furious 7” has jumped out with $60 million in 45 international markets in its first two days — an impressive indication of blockbuster business for the record-setting tentpole.

The film grossed $43 million at 8,407 dates on Thursday and has opened in first place in all 45 territories where it was released. That makes it Universal Pictures International’s highest grossing Thursday ever, obliterating the previous record of $25.5 million for “Fast and Furious 6.”

“Furious 7” set the record for biggest opening day of any film in 15 markets including Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Peru, Trinidad, India, Indonesia, Israel and the Middle East.

It’s also the best performing opening for the “Fast” franchise in every territory and the best opening for a Universal title in 25 territories, including Australia, Brazil, Germany, Italy and Mexico. 18 more markets open this weekend.

“Furious 7” made about the same in its first two days internationally as the 2001’s “Fast and Furious” made in its entire overseas run, illustrating the massive growth that the franchise has had both in and outside the U.S.

In the U.S., “Furious 7” has blasted off from the starting line with $15.8 million in 3,069 Thursday night showings that started at 7 p.m. The film, starring Dwayne Johnson, Vin Diesel and the late Paul Walker, expands Friday to 4,004 U.S. locations and is expected to set a record for an April opening weekend with a total of about $115 million.

The movie — packed with its trademark spectacular automotive stunts — is set in Los Angeles, London, Tokyo, Russia, Abu Dhabi and the Dominican Republic. Michelle Rodriguez, Jordanna Brewster, Tyrese Gibson and Chris “Ludacris” Bridges reprise their roles.

The durable franchise has generated more than $2.4 billion in worldwide box office from the first six movies.