In a startling turn of events, The Marvels, the latest addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), has experienced a significant box office setback. The film’s second-weekend earnings have plummeted dramatically, marking a record-breaking drop that surpasses even the infamous decline of Morbius.
A Disappointing Performance
After an underwhelming opening weekend, The Marvels continued to struggle at the box office. The film, which is a direct sequel to 2019’s Captain Marvel, saw its revenue drop by a staggering 79% in its second weekend. This decline is notably worse than the 74% drop experienced by Morbius, another comic book movie that faced similar challenges earlier.
The Marvels’ Box Office Journey
Credit: Marvel Studios
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A Rocky Start
The Marvels opened with the lowest weekend earnings in MCU history, bringing in only $46.1 million. This was a concerning start for a franchise known for its blockbuster openings.
The Second Weekend Slump
The film’s second weekend saw a further decline, earning just $10.2 million domestically. This drop is the largest for a comic book movie in its second weekend, setting a new low for the genre.
Comparing to MCU and Morbius
Credit: Sony Pictures
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MCU’s Diminishing Returns
The MCU has been experiencing diminishing returns both critically and commercially. Prior to The Marvels, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania held the record for the worst second-weekend drop in the franchise. However, The Marvels has now taken this dubious honour.
Morbius’ Infamous Drop
While Morbius suffered a significant 74% drop in its second weekend, The Marvels has surpassed this, highlighting the challenges facing the latest MCU offering.
Factors Influencing The Drop
Credit: Marvel Studios
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External Challenges
The film’s release coincided with the 2023 Screen Actors Guild strike, which limited promotional activities. Additionally, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has impacted movie-going habits, though other MCU movies released during this period fared better.
Internal Issues
Reports suggest that internal issues, including extensive reshoots and directorial challenges, may have also contributed to the film’s underperformance.
Future of MCU
Credit: Marvel Studios
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Upcoming Releases
The next MCU movie, Deadpool 3, featuring Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman, is anticipated to draw audiences. However, other upcoming titles like Captain America: Brave New World and Fantastic Four may face similar challenges.
A Turning Point?
The performance of The Marvels raises questions about the future direction of the MCU and whether this marks a turning point for the franchise.
Final Thoughts on The Marvels’ box office performance
Credit: Marvel Studios
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A Reflection on the Industry
The significant drop in box office earnings for The Marvels reflects broader challenges within the film industry, particularly for big-budget superhero movies.
The Road Ahead
As the MCU continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how it will adapt to changing audience preferences and the competitive landscape of the entertainment industry.
What do you make of this news? Are you going to see The Marvels at the cinema? Have you seen the movie already?
The Marvels is in cinemas worldwide right now.
