DreamWorks’ hit CGI flick Madagascar is continuing to make a strong showing around the world. Opening number one this week in five European markets including Italy, the movie grossed $11.6 million to reach a box office total of $291.5 million. The Numbers reports that the film, which still has yet to open in Thailand and Greece, is on pace to top $500 million worldwide – a positive figure for this year’s slow summer season.

This entry was written by Brandon Neeld.

More info from a Variety e-mail forwarded by Kristin:

Long-running family fave Madagascar led a moderate foreign box office with $12.5 million in 47 territories for the weekend, pushing the toon’s offshore cume to a hefty $291.5 million.

As hot temps in Europe and the end of summer vacations cooled overall moviegoing, Madagascar racked up an impressive Italian launch of $7.1 million at 470 playdates, including $1.35 million from previews, to mark the biggest CGI debut ever in that market. UIP reported the pic posted an impressive 64% market share on Saturday.

Madagascar also debuted on top in all Scandinavian markets, led by $1.45 million at 112 in Norway, $645,000 at 114 in Sweden, $600,000 at 82 in Denmark and $340,000 at 52 in Finland.

The victory marked the second time Madagascar has taken the international crown, coming nearly two months after the toon won the mid-July frame thanks to launches in the Germany and the United Kingdom.

Toon to hit milestone

Despite winning only two weekends, Madagascar will soon become the third 2005 release to top the $300 million mark overseas, joining Fox’s Star Wars — Episode III: Revenge of the Sith and UIP’s War of the Worlds. UIP, which opted for a gradual rollout of Madagascar rather than a day-and-date worldwide launch, will open the film next in Serbia; Thailand (Sept. 29) and Greece (Oct. 27) are the final debuts.

With $191 million in domestic grosses, Madagascar also appears likely to join the club of 38 other pics with worldwide cumes topping half a billion dollars.