The new Cinderella remake.

Cinderella stormed box offices this weekend delivering a $132.5 million worldwide debut for Kenneth Branagh’s princess tale Cinderella, with an estimated $70.1 million domestically and a record-breaking $25 million in China.

Cinderella marks another success for Disney as it spins its classic animated tales into live-action offerings. Their last movie, Maleficent, a retelling of Sleeping Beauty from the point of view of the famous villainess, probably stunned Disney themselves with a $758.4 global gross probably helped along by Angelie Jolie featuring.

The fact that Cinderella has nearly reached double that of Maleficent’s $69.4 million domestic debut is even more impressive as leading lady, Lily James (from Downton Abbey) is much less well known.

Overseas, Cinderella launched in 60 percent of the international marketplace, grossing $62.4 million (it has a number of major territories yet to open). In China, it is the highest March opening of all time despite not being in 3D. And Russia, another big 3D market, was equally impressive with $7.3 million.

On Friday, 77 percent of the audience was female but that shifted to 66 percent on Saturday and Sunday showing that a good mix of families came along to see the new movie too with 31 percent of those under the age of 12. Disney’s executive vice president of distribution is hoping the audience will continue to become more diverse in the next few days and weeks to ensure the movies long-term success.

Disney has plans for “The Jungle Book,” an “Alice” sequel, “Beauty and the Beast” and “Dumbo” all in its sights over the next few years.