"This Is It" grossed $20.1 million in its first day at the worldwide box office -- a solid, but not glowing, start for Michael Jackson's final act. The Sony release grossed $7.4 million from 3,481 theaters at the domestic B.O., including $2.2 million from Tuesday night shows.

Overseas, where the King of Pop's popularity has endured, "This Is It" pulled in $12.7 million in 97 territories. Opening-day highlights included $1.9 million in the U.K., $1.4 million in France, $1.2 million in Japan and $1.1 million in Germany. Film, slotted to play only two weeks, opened in 10 more overseas markets on Thursday, making for a worldwide print count of 15,000 heading into the weekend. Sony said the successful opening of the pic reaffirms the global appeal of Jackson.

But many in Hollywood expected opening-day numbers to be higher at the domestic B.O. since the film is a fan-driven title. Last year, "Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus: The Best of Both Worlds Concert Tour" grossed $8.6 million on its opening day at the domestic B.O., although that pic bowed on a Friday.