The highly anticipated sequel to Captain Marvel, titled “The Marvels,” seems to be facing a disappointing start at the global box office. Although the superhero flick was expected to have some challenges, the projected opening weekend earnings of $110M-$115M would mark the lowest start for a Disney MCU title worldwide. With projected international box office earnings dropping from an initial estimate of $80M to around $60M, it’s clear that the sequel is struggling to make a significant impact. But what factors might be contributing to this underwhelming performance?
Despite its star power and solid social scores, “The Marvels” is only managing to accumulate approximately $25M through Friday from overseas markets. While it is still projected to secure the top spot in most offshore markets, there is a noticeable lack of urgency and excitement surrounding the film. The confusion and overexposure associated with incorporating elements from Disney+ series “Ms Marvel” and “WandaVision” may be dampening the film’s potential. Unlike its predecessor, “Captain Marvel,” which benefited from being a fresh addition to the MCU and bridging the gap between “Infinity War” and “Endgame,” “The Marvels” fails to offer that same novelty.
In the domestic market, “The Marvels” is predicted to earn between $47M-$52M. However, there are several factors working against the film’s success. The delayed promotional activities due to the actors’ strike, which ended only recently, have hindered the film’s ability to generate excitement and word-of-mouth. Additionally, the confusion surrounding the title and its connection to the Disney+ series adds to the lack of audience enthusiasm. Although social scores are slightly better than those from overseas critics, these challenges are impacting the film’s potential to perform well domestically.
The Chinese market, which is crucial for the success of many Hollywood blockbusters, is proving to be a tough one for “The Marvels.” Despite receiving an early release notice, the movie is expected to bring in less than $15M during the three-day weekend in China. This disappointing performance is reflected in the harsh critics’ ratings on Douban, with a current score of 5.4. While it’s important to acknowledge the difficulties faced by many films in China, “The Marvels” is not resonating strongly with audiences in the country, further contributing to its underwhelming box office results.
“The Marvels” is currently facing several obstacles that have impacted its box office performance. From lackluster international earnings to confusion surrounding the film’s title and connection to Disney+ series, these factors have contributed to the film’s struggle to shine. The delayed promotional activities and challenges in the Chinese market have also hindered its success. While it’s still early to make a final judgment, “The Marvels” needs to overcome these hurdles to regain its momentum and capture the attention of audiences worldwide. Only time will tell if Captain Marvel can reclaim her shining light in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.