With the upcoming release of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness this Friday, current projections are looking promising for Marvel Studios’ latest release. Industry insiders are anticipating a $150M+ opening weekend in the United States. As of now, the Benedict Cumberbatch-led film is currently selling 5x the number of tickets as the original Doctor Strange film (which opened to $85M domestically in 2016). If these potential numbers hold true, this would be the largest increase for film entries in a solo franchise in the MCU.
In comparison to how this projects in relation to other films within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, this opening would be in line with the likes of Captain Marvel ($153.4M), Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 ($146.5M), and Thor: Ragnarok ($122.7M). As it stands, the film has already pulled in $42 million from presales alone, which Disney confirmed during its CinemaCon presentation. With Thursday previews fast approaching, it is expected that number will only continue to rise.
The online excitement has been high for a continuation of Marvel Studios’ multiverse saga on the big screen after the events of Spider-Man: No Way Home compounded with the film’s marketing teasing of Patrick Stewart being involved with the film. With that, all signs are pointing at Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness being large financial success for Marvel Studios and the theatrical market.
Source: Deadline.
