Even with an option to watch “Black Widow” at home, audiences went to the movie theater in pandemic record numbers this weekend to catch the first Marvel movie released in two years.
It’s a massive win for coronavirus-era moviegoing. In
“This was a pretty monumental weekend for the industry,” said
Dergarabedian noted that the vast majority of profits,
“Hollywood blockbusters continue to gain ground at the box office with each successive release, and that bodes very well for the many films lined up for exclusive worldwide theatrical release this fall and beyond,” said
“Black Widow,” starring
It is unusual for studios to release grosses from streaming profits in real time. Many never do so, and some release figures weeks after the fact.
“'Black Widow’s' strong performance this weekend affirms our flexible distribution strategy of making franchise films available in theaters for a true cinematic experience and, as COVID concerns continue globally, providing choice to consumers who prefer to watch at home on Disney+,” said
The film was liked by audiences, who gave it an A-minus CinemaScore, and critics. “Black Widow” currently boasts an 80% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Men made up some 58% of the opening weekend crowd.
“F9” came in second place with an estimated
Currently, 81% of North American theaters are open, and most are operating at full capacity. Overall the films this weekend grossed a total of
And while it's promising for the industry as a whole, Marvel films have always been in a box office category of their own. Overall, they've grossed nearly
“Marvel films are a unique monster,” Dergarabedian said. “I don’t know that you’ll see this for every release."
Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at
1. “Black Widow,”
2. “F9,”
3. “The
4. “The Forever Purge,”
5. “A Quiet Place Part II,”
6. “Cruella,”
7. “The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard,”
8. “Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway,”
9. “In the Heights,”
10. “Zola,”
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