The next big Marvel Studios blockbuster doesn't hit theaters in the U.S. until Friday, but much of the rest of the world enjoyed “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” this weekend.
The Russo Brothers' thriller opened to a superb $75.2 million in 32 markets. That's significantly less than the $109 million “Thor: The Dark World” earned in 28 markets the weekend before its domestic release last November. However, “Captain America: The First Avenger” took in just $193.9 million overall in 2011. That means Marvel and Walt Disney Studios are no doubt salivating on how much of an “Avengers”-boost “The Winter Soldier” will find outside the U.S. Especially after this $75 million debut. For comparison's sake, “The Dark World” made $176.1 million more outside the U.S. than the first “Thor” did, a very big jump for a sequel.
Expected to open in over 3,900 theaters, “The Winter Soldier” is currently polling at a $80 million plus debut this weekend. Considering it has received the best reviews so far for any Marvel movie outside of the first “Iron Man,” hitting $100 million is not completely out of the question.
“Winter Soldier” stars Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Robert Redford, Anthony Mackie, Sebastian Stan and Samuel L. Jackson. The storyline finds America's Super Soldier questioning the modern day security methods of S.H.I.E.L.D. and trying to take down a powerful assassin known only as The Winter Soldier.
For more on “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” read Drew McWeeny's review.