The doubters have stepped aside. The Avengers, opening on May 4, is about to soar at the box office.
Not only have North American pre-sales set records, early openings internationally provided preview indicators that the Marvel all-star superhero movie is poised to have a celebrated opening in the U. S. and Canada, as well.
Forget about The Avengers surpassing The Hunger Games recent opener of $152.5 million US. The flick, featuring Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), The Hulk (Mark Ruffalo) and Captain America (Chris Evans), looks like it has The Dark Knight in its sights.
Adding to the frenzy is this: Incredibly positive chatter after promotional screenings across North America this week have elevated The Avengers into $160-million territory, which puts The Dark Knight’s second-place count of $158.4 in definite jeopardy.
Chances are Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2, at $169.2 million, will remain in the top spot. But that standing isn’t as safe as it was last week.
The Avengers eye-popping take of $218.2 million in foreign markets, so far, requires pundits to re-think their predictions from the $150-million range to more optimistic $160 million.
But stay tuned. The Dark Knight Rises, opening July 20, might live up to its title in more ways than one.
bthompson@postmedia.com
blog: Canada.com/sceneandheard
