PRESS RELEASE: Journey 2: Gets Acclaimed Popularity Overseas!

01.25.2012 – New Line Cinema’s 3D family adventure, “ Journey 2: The Mysterious Island,” is off to a strong start at the global box office. Launching ahead of the US in seven territories — Australia, Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia and New Zealand — The film grossed an excellent $7.9 million, which is 44% ahead of its predecessor in the same countries.

The announcement was made today by Veronika Kwan-Rubinek, President of International Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures.

“Journey 2: The Mysterious Island” is the sequel to the 2008 global box office hit “Journey to the Center of the Earth,” both inspired by the novels of legendary fantasist Jules Verne. “Journey 2: The Mysterious Island,” directed by Brad Peyton, stars Dwayne Johnson, Michael Caine, Josh Hutcherson, Luis Guzmán, Vanessa Hudgens and Kristin Davis.

“The first ‘Journey’ went on to gross $141 million internationally, and to exceed it by such a great margin in these early markets is truly gratifying,” Kwan-Rubinek said. “This success is a testament to the vision of the filmmakers and the dedication of the cast, led by Dwayne Johnson, for delivering the perfect film for this corridor—an action-packed and fun-filled 3D adventure for families and audiences of all ages.”

Unable to stop him from going, Sean’s new stepfather, Hank (Dwayne Johnson), joins the quest. Together with a helicopter pilot (Luis Guzman) and his beautiful, strong-willed daughter (Vanessa Hudgens), they set out to find the island, rescue its lone inhabitant and escape before seismic shockwaves force the island under the sea and bury its treasures forever.

The release was targeted to coincide with the Chinese New Year holiday in Asia and summer school holidays in Australia and New Zealand , predating the US release, which required a different marketing approach.

“We’ve embarked on a multi-tiered marketing program to support our early release dates, encompassing talent tours across Taiwan , Australia and Mexico , with further tour stops forthcoming,” commented Sue Kroll, the Studio’s President, Worldwide Marketing. “A strong media presence, combined with our broad advertising and event outdoor campaign, set the stage for these early launches around the world.

The tremendous success overseas also helps to build momentum leading up to our U.S. and broader international launches in the weeks to come.”

Shot in 3D, the new family adventure “Journey 2: The Mysterious Island” is directed by Brad Peyton from a screenplay by Brian Gunn & Mark Gunn, story by Richard Outten and Brian Gunn & Mark Gunn.

“Journey 2: The Mysterious Island” is a New Line Cinema presentation and will be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company. The film will open across the Philippines on Thursday, February. 2, 2012!