Avengers: Endgame just had the biggest opening night in box office history
Avengers: Endgame's box office domination is inevitable, and it's already shattering records in the U.S.
The Marvel superhero finale, which wraps up 21 movies worth of films, launched with $60 million in its Thursday night U.S. previews, CNN reports. This is the biggest domestic preview gross of all time, surpassing the $57 million that Star Wars: The Force Awakens earned during its first night of showings in 2015. Endgame also soared way past the $39 million that Avengers: Infinity War took in on its Thursday night opening in 2018.
This $60 million figure comes from screenings that began in the U.S. on Thursday evening, and it will be added to Friday's gross for a final opening day total that Deadline writes could be up to $140 million. This would give Endgame the best opening day in the U.S. ever, easily beating Star Wars: The Force Awakens' $119 million.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Endgame is virtually assured of setting a new record for the biggest opening weekend of all time, passing the current record-holder, Avengers: Infinity War, which opened to $257 million. It may gross between $270 million and $300 million, notes The Hollywood Reporter, with Deadline writing that the film hitting $300 million is now "likely." Only six films in history have had an opening weekend gross of more than $200 million.
Thanks to its record-breaking opening in China, Endgame has already grossed more than $300 million worldwide, and it could be looking at a historic $1 billion global debut.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Brendan worked as a culture writer at The Week from 2018 to 2023, covering the entertainment industry, including film reviews, television recaps, awards season, the box office, major movie franchises and Hollywood gossip. He has written about film and television for outlets including Bloody Disgusting, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Heavy and The Celebrity Cafe.
-
Last hopes for justice for UK's nuclear test veterans
Under the Radar Thousands of ex-service personnel say their lives have been blighted by aggressive cancers and genetic mutations
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
'It may not be surprising that creative work is used without permission'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
5 simple items to help make your airplane seat more comfortable
The Week Recommends Gel cushions and inflatable travel pillows make a world of difference
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
Quincy Jones, music icon, is dead at 91
Speed Read The legendary producer is perhaps best known as the architect behind Michael Jackson's 'Thriller'
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
OJ Simpson, star athlete tried for murder, dead at 76
Speed Read The former football hero and murder suspect lost his battle with cancer
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Momofuku's 'Chili Crunch' trademark uproar
Speed Read The company's attempt to own the sole rights has prompted backlash
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Kevin Hart awarded Mark Twain Prize
Speed Read He is the 25th recipient of the prestigious comedy prize
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Is Downton Abbey set to return for a final film?
Speed Read Imelda Staunton reveals that a third movie may be in the pipeline
By Adrienne Wyper, The Week UK Published
-
'Oppenheimer' sweeps Oscars with 7 wins
speed read The film won best picture, best director (Christopher Nolan) and best actor (Cillian Murphy)
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
'Rust' armorer convicted of manslaughter
speed read The film's cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was shot and killed by actor Alec Baldwin during rehearsal
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
The Beatles are getting 4 intersecting biopics
Speed Read Director Sam Mendes is making four separate movies, each told from the perspective of one band member
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published