The insanely hyped Avengers: Age of Ultron finally debuted in the US this week, coming one week after releasing in foreign markets and basically shattering most opening records overseas. This led many to predict that it would do the same in the US by surpassing the previous opening weekend record held by its predecessor, The Avengers. However, Avengers: Age of Ultron fell short of these incredibly high expectations with a still incredible $187.7 million opening weekend.
Some publications were predicting massive opening weekends of $220 million, which would have destroyed the $207.4 opening weekend record set by The Avengers in 2012. This was looking more likely after Friday’s numbers, as Avengers: Age of Ultron took in $84.5 million on Friday, which included the $27.6 million taken in Thursday night as well. This beat the first Avengers movie by a few million, but actually came in second to Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows Part 2 for the overall opening day record. By the end of the weekend though, the movie brought in $187.7 million, which is good enough for second all time.
Naturally, some people online are saying this is a massive loss for Marvel and that superhero fatigue has set in and its all downhill from here. I think that is far from the case, as Friday’s opening was smashing and Saturday had some major events taking place besides the movie. Most notably was that of the “Fight of the Century” between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao, which it seemed like everyone was watching. The Clippers and Spurs went to a Game 7 in a highly competitive series and the Kentucky Derby also was held. While it likely wouldn’t have led to the initially predicted numbers, it did definitely have some sort of an impact on the opening.
The Avengers’ hold over the opening weekend record is likely to remain for the foreseeable future as well. Many people are banking on Star Wars: The Force Awakens to take that crown, but that is highly unlikely. Movies released in the winter season typically have lesser opening but much longer legs. Star Wars: The Force Awakens very likely could be the highest grossing movie this year domestically, but opening weekend wise, Avengers: Age of Ultron is likely going to be our champion for 2015.
Published: May 4, 2015 05:55 am