With the success of "Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs", Twentieth Century Fox International has become the first distributor to reach the $1 billion mark in box office collections in the overseas market.

Twentieth Century Fox International, the overseas distribution arm of Hollywood studio Twentieth Century Fox, became the top earner after the overseas release of its three consecutive hits, all sequels -- "X-Men Origins: Wolverine", "Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian" and "Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs" respectively. All the films' earnings have crossed $100 million.

"This sensational achievement is a tribute not only to Fox's outstanding product but also to the efforts and creativity of our international team, both in Los Angeles and overseas," Tomas Jegeus, co-president of Fox International, said in a statement released here on Thursday.

Co-president Paul Hanneman said: "We are looking forward to continued success in 2009, from the sequel to the hit film 'Alvin and the Chipmunks' to James Cameron's highly anticipated 'Avatar'. This promises to be a banner year for Fox International."

"Ice Age 3" has made a whopping debut of $151.7 million in its initial weekend outside America. This is the sixth highest grossing opening weekend of all time internationally and the highest grossing 3D film ever overseas.

 

It was followed by Hugh Jackman's "Wolverine", which clawed its way to the top spot in 66 territories in its first weekend and remained on number one in 34 markets after its second weekend. The Marvel comic book inspired movie has reached $184.7 million abroad, with a Japan release still awaited.

 

"Night At The Museum 2" on the other hand has made a gross collection of $207.2 million till date at the overseas box office, again with a release still awaited in countries like India and Japan.

 

Other films which added to Fox's overseas collections this year are MGM's "Valkyrie" that was distributed overseas by Fox International, "Bride Wars" and "Dragonball Evolution".