Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, the sixth adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s book starring Daniel Radcliffe in the title role, opened in 33 international markets on 15^th July 2009 following the usual frenzied media attention. Notable openings were in the UK, in which takings of £4.7 million ($7.6 million) were recorded from 1,305 screens - a 35% increase on the opening day take for Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix in July 2007. In Italy the film opened on 923 screens, the country’s second biggest opening of all time, and took €2.9 million (£2.5 million), up 27% on Phoenix.

Australia recorded gross earnings of A$4.4 million (£2.16 million), the country’s third biggest opening of all time and up a more modest 7% on the previous Potter film. Brazil’s gross opening day income was approx £1.3 million ($2.1 million) (37% increase); Holland’s income was £800,000 ($1.3 million), an increase of 30%. South Korea saw an increase of 30% on its opening day, taking £800,000 ($1.3 million).

The film was still due to open in such major markets as Germany, Mexico and Russia when the announcement was made.