Black Widow sets pandemic box office record, rakes in $60 million on Disney+
Marvel has returned to the movies — while still raking in an impressive sum on streaming.
Black Widow, the first Marvel Cinematic Universe movie to hit theaters in two years, took in $80 million at the domestic box office this weekend, the biggest domestic debut for any film since the COVID-19 pandemic began, Deadline reports. The prequel centered around Scarlett Johansson's Avengers character had been delayed multiple times due to the pandemic and was originally scheduled for May 2020.
The $80 million domestic opening came in a bit under expectations, Deadline notes, and according to The Hollywood Reporter, some analysts thought it could approach $100 million. But experts said it was still a solid start considering not all theaters have reopened and the film was also available to stream on Disney+ for $30.
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.
"Certainly the figure would be higher if every theater were open, if there were zero concern with COVID, and if there weren't a streaming option," Franchise Entertainment Research's David A. Gross told Variety. "For now, those impediments make Black Widow's opening all the more impressive."
Disney also revealed that Black Widow took in over $60 million globally via its streaming release, the first time the company announced how much a Disney+ Premier Access title grossed in its opening. Disney executive Kareem Daniel said this "affirms our flexible distribution strategy" of "providing choice to consumers who prefer to watch at home on Disney+," and Comscore analyst Paul Dergarabedian told CNN it "shows that with the right movie you can have success on the big screen and the small."
Looking ahead, Disney has said Marvel's next film, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, will go back to being released exclusively in theaters. But Disney still isn't done adjusting its strategy because of the pandemic, as Shang-Chi will be available to watch at home 45 days after hitting theaters, down from the pre-pandemic norm of about 90 days.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
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.
-
Why are meteorologists worried Trump could ruin their forecasts?
Today's Big Question How a conservative push to dismantle a little-known government agency could lead to big headaches for anyone hoping to get a handle on their local weather
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
'Such wrongdoing encourages foreign corrupt practices'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Can Japan's new prime minister govern effectively?
In The Spotlight A 'popular gadfly' gets the top job
By Joel Mathis, 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
-
Taylor Swift to Miley Cyrus: female artists dominate 2024 Grammys
Speed Read SZA, Phoebe Bridgers and Lainey Wilson were also among the winners at LA gala
By Arion McNicoll, The Week UK Published