The hype and anticipation surrounding the release of the first Phase 3 film in the ever expanding Marvel Cinematic Universe couldn’t be any higher than it is today, which marked the U.S. theatrical debut of Captain America: Civil War. In light of the recently released DC Extended Universe event that was Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice from just two months prior, all eyes are on the heavyweight champion of comic book adaptations that is Marvel Studios in what could prove to be the biggest box office opener of 2016.
As Marvel Comics fans currently streaming into theaters to see Civil War can attest to, everyone with a pulse and a passing desire to see another superhero showdown are eagerly voicing their support of either #TeamCap or #TeamIronMan, making the third Captain America film one to go down in the history books. On that note, the latest update on the MCU film’s domestic box office reveals that it enjoyed quite a good opening night - in terms of tickets sold alone.
According to Variety, Captain America: Civil War made a grand total of $25 million over the course of its opening night domestically, with weekend projections placing it as the fourth-highest domestic opener of all time behind Star Wars: The Force Awakens at $248 million, Jurassic World at $208.8 million, and The Avengers at $207.4 - taking the spot currently occupied by Avengers: Age of Ultron at $191.3 million. In addition, the first Phase 3 MCU film has already made another $261.6 million overseas as of this past Wednesday, with an additional global pull of $29.6 million last night, with its pull in Korea being the top earner at $41.7 million.
Civil War currently hold an aggregate rating of 92% Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, with an added user approval rating of 90%, and has already set a new record for advanced ticket sales on Fandango - where it is currently the top selling ticket by another 90% for this weekend. Compared to Age of Ultron, which made $27.6 million in opening night previews, Civil War wasn’t quiet as hot, though it did make $3.1 million in Imax screenings alone, surpassing the former release at $3 million.
It’s going to be hard to beat what is already shaping up to be quite the hot streak for Captain America: Civil War after being in theaters for what has only been just shy of 24 hours (domestically speaking). Positive word of mouth coming from both critics and comic book fans alike should play a crucial role in the film’s continued success heading into its opening weekend, and only time will tell how many more records the film will break by this Sunday alone.
Captain America: Civil War is now playing in theaters. Doctor Strange arrives on November 4, 2016, followed by Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 – May 5, 2017; Spider-Man: Homecoming – July 7, 2017;Thor: Ragnarok – November 3, 2017; Black Panther – February 16, 2018; Avengers: Infinity War Part 1 – May 4, 2018; Ant-Man and the Wasp – July 6, 2018; Captain Marvel – March 8, 2019; Avengers: Infinity War Part 2 – May 3, 2019; and as-yet untitled Marvel movies on July 12, 2019, and on May 1, July 10, and November 6 in 2020.
Source: Variety
