It’s been inevitable for some time now, but Avengers: Endgame is now OFFICIALLY the most successful film of all time. For a full decade, Avatar had been at the top of the list in terms of highest-grossing films and the James Cameron movie broke records all over the world. Now, just 13 weeks after release, the latest installment of the Avengers franchise has surpassed Avatar and sits on $2.79 billion in revenue.
Two Greats Top the Revenue Charts
Was it ever really in doubt? Some experts will say not, and the early signs were good when the trailer alone attracted nearly 30 million views on YouTube…within just 12 hours. Across the US and Canada, early forecasts predicted up to $300 million in box office revenues for the first week. In reality, it earned $350 million and the race to overhaul Avatar had begun.
Across the US, stories of cinemas staying open for 48, 60, and 72 hours came rolling in and audiences were loving the film. Even though it had a running time of over two hours and 40 minutes, nobody was deterred and even those without an interest in the franchise were being dragged along by passionate friends and family members.
Interestingly, there are still some regions where Avatar tops the charts. For example, Endgame ticket sales struggled to compete with the James Cameron classic in Australia and it looks as though it’s going to take something very special to take the top spot there.
Marvel in China
Away from the US, the interest in Endgame in China has contributed massively to the movie’s success. In 2010, Avatar ticket sales reached around $290 million. Earlier in 2019, the same figure for Endgamewas well over $850 million.
In fact, it became the highest-grossing movie for an opening weekend in history in China (it topped both Western and local movies throughout history). Earlier this month, Forbes announced that we could ‘thank or blame China’ if Endgame did indeed go on to surpass Avatar.
Early Success for The Lion King
While on the topic of box office revenues and tumbling records, it’s hard to ignore The Lion King this Monday. For the opening weekend alone, The Lion King has become the highest-grossing live-action remake from Disney. Taking around $185 million, it was the ninth-largest opening weekend in US history.
If the film continues the way it has started, it will soon overtake Beauty and the Beast, the movie that currently holds the record for total box office revenues for a live-action Disney remake. For those who haven’t yet seen the film, it has a star-studded lineup with the likes of Donald Glover, Beyoncé, John Oliver, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Seth Rogan, Chance the Rapper, John Kani, and even the returning James Earl Jones.
Well done to all at Marvel. Will the Endgame box office revenues ever be beaten? Only time will tell!
