In first place, its' no surprise. Captain Marvel outwitted controversy and naysayers to a massive $153.4 million opening (huge $35,599 per-venue average). That's on the high end of expectations (and about in line with my $155 million projection). I had a feeling this one would be huge. With the MCU continuing to surge in popularity and this being the first female-led superhero film in their 21-movie line-up, a strong opening was pretty much guaranteed. Captain Marvel ranked as the seventh-biggest debut for the MCU, behind all three Avengers movies, Black Panther, Captain America: Civil War, and Iron Man 3. It also edged out The Hunger Games ($152 million) for the third-biggest debut ever in the month of March, behind only the Beauty and the Beast remake ($174 million) and Batman v. Superman ($166 million). It also easily out-zapped fellow female superhero Wonder Woman's $103 million debut back two years ago. On a $152 million budget, the film has already matched its' production costs in North America. Of course, it still has to make up the sure-to-be massive marketing spend, but, that doesn't shortchange the huge success here.Overseas brought even bigger news. Captain Marvel launched to a stunning $302 million overseas, including an $89 million launch in China. That ranks as the fifth-biggest international debut of all-time. Worldwide, its' already at $455 million, the sixth-biggest worldwide launch ever. Of course, with 98% of all markets opened (Japan is the lone exception, which opens next week), how it holds from here is definitely up in the air. However, it is a fairly safe assumption at this point that Captain Marvel will be the first movie of 2019 in the $1 billion club.
As far as playability here in the states, audiences gave it a strong "A" CinemaScore. However, overall word-of-mouth doesn't seem to be as strong as previous superhero titles. Many have ranked this as an OK to solid movie, with no real must-see buzz. In that case, its' entirely possible this might be a bit more front-loaded than usual for the genre. At the same time, however, there's not much in the way of competition until DC's Shazam opens April 5. With press controversy and other rumors, Disney and Marvel played it safe with a $125 million projection.
Of course, with this superhero dominating the marketplace, most other films retreated. How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World topped the remainder of the pack, but it fell 51% to $14.7 million. It's now fallen behind the pace of its predecessors in the U.S., and things won't get easier next weekend with fellow animated pic Wonder Park opening. With $119.7 million in 17 days, we will get a brighter idea of where it will end up in the next couple of weeks. Overseas, however, the film continues to shine (that early-January start was a wise choice), with $315 million so far and a $435 million worldwide total.
After its' strong start last week, A Madea Family Funeral fell apart a bit as expected. It fell 54% to $12.5 million, for a solid $46.3 million in 10 days. With a small budget on these films, Tyler Perry's latest should be just fine. Meanwhile, The LEGO Movie 2 was a distant fourth with a 41% slide to $3.9 million. The animated sequel still continues to disappoint with just $97.2 million in one month of release. It continues to also struggle overseas with just $165 million so far. That is without China and Japan, but I don't think they will quite pick up the slack here (especially with the budget at $100 million).
With another female-led film in the marketplace, Alita: Battle Angel crumbled 56% to $3.2 million. The sci-fi flick has pulled in $78.4 million in 25 days, and seems set for a finish anywhere between $85 and $90 million. That's not good for a $170 million production. It's also crumbling overseas, with the worldwide gross at $380 million with not much gas left.
Best Picture Oscar winner Green Book remained in play with a 45% dip to $2.5 million. The dramedy has pulled in a strong $80.2 million in 17 weeks of release (10 of those in the Top 10). It debuts on DVD Tuesday so expect business to finally subside starting this week. Isn't It Romantic followed with a 50% drop to $2.3 million. The PG-13 comedy has earned an OK $44 million in 26 days, and will hope to get to $50 million.
After a mediocre start last week, Greta failed to save face. The indie thriller fell 51% to $2.2 million, for a weak $8.3 million gross in 10 days and will likely earn just north of the double digit mark. Fighting with My Family essentially tied it, and is failing to show any signs of legs. The wrestling drama fell 53% to $2.2 million, for a forgettable $18.7 million gross since its limited launch 24 days ago. It will struggle to get to $25 million.
Rounding out the Top 10 was a documentary that expanded to semi-wide release. Apollo 11 managed $1.25 million from 405 locations ($3,089 per-venue average). Since its limited launch last week, its' pulled in $3.7 million. Not bad, but nothing great either.
That's about it. Next weekend, three wide releases and one limited release to keep an eye on open. Paramount unleashes animated flick Wonder Park, Lionsgate aims for couples with dramedy Five Feet Apart, and Focus Features puts out the little-marketed sci-fi flick Captive State. Meanwhile, Lionsgate will court Spanish-speaking audiences with potential breakout No Manches Frida 2 in semi-wide release. It's sure to be a quieter but kind-of exciting weekend, but none are expected to approach Captain Marvel's sophomore weekend. I'll have a predictions post out on Thursday. Hope all has a great week!
