‘Avengers: Infinity War’ superhero hit storms theaters in potentially record-breaking weekend
The latest installment in Disney-Marvel's ultra-popular Avenger’s superhero franchise is set to make a splash at the box office this weekend, poised for what could be a record-breaking debut.
“Avengers: Infinity War” melds story lines from across the Marvel Universe’s previous 18 superhero films, which includes hit movies like “Black Panther,” “Thor” and “Guardians of the Galaxy.”
Disney’s “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” still holds the crown for biggest opening weekend of all time: In 2015, the film opened at $248 million, making more than $936 million just in the U.S.
But some analysts are predicting Disney-Marvel’s latest superhero extravaganza could rake in even more.
Variety predicts the blockbuster could gross anywhere from $225 million to more than $250 million, while Forbes’ estimates are slightly more modest, at $216 million to $235 million.
Disney said on Friday that the latest installment of the Avengers franchise generated $39 million during Thursday night showings in North America.
“Avengers: Infinity War” reportedly cost as much as $400 million to produce.
Ticket sales site Fandango said the movie is already the third-highest preseller in history, and more than 2,000 shows had already sold out as of Thursday, Variety reported.
Film ratings site Rotten Tomatoes gave the movie a 7.5 out of 10, calling it a “thrilling, emotionally resonant blockbuster that (mostly) realizes its gargantuan ambitions.” The “audience score” for the film was 4.6 out of 5.
Renowned actors, and fan favorites, reprise their popular roles, including Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man, Chris Pratt as Star-Lord, Chris Evans as Captain America and Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow.
Only five films ever have surpassed the $200 million level on opening weekend, including “Star Wars: The Last Jedi,” “Jurassic World,” “Marvel’s The Avengers” and “Black Panther.”
There is another Avengers movie in the works, which will be released in spring 2019.