Even Batman is no match for Earth’s Mightiest Heroes.
As Marvel Studios battens down the hatches in preparation for Infinity War‘s third weekend, Box Office Pro (h/t Screen Rant) brings word that the sequel’s domestic gross is expected to blaze past The Dark Knight. For the record, Nolan’s comic book masterpiece notched $534M in North America 10 years ago – back when the MCU was but a distant dream – all without a 3D surplus.
Infinity War, meanwhile, is currently simmering at $479M domestic ($1.25 billion total), and will likely rake in an additional $58.5M this coming weekend in the States. That will surely be enough for Joe and Anthony Russo’s blockbuster to break the all-time top 10. Its next target? The Avengers, which scored an eye-watering $623M on home turf six years ago.
This projection comes just as Infinity War prepares for a big splash in China. Indeed, according to The Hollywood Reporter, the MCU juggernaut has already recorded around $47.5 million (RMB 302 million) in presales as of late Wednesday night in Beijing, which is twice that of the previous Hollywood record-holder: The Fate of the Furious ($25 million).
It’s undoubtedly a massive primer for what many believe to be the film’s last hurrah at the global box office, but the question remains: will Avengers: Infinity War best Age of Ultron‘s $240 million haul in the Middle Kingdom when it opens on May 11th? Box office analysts certainly think so, and given the film’s near-unprecedented momentum, we’re inclined to believe them.
We will, as always, keep you right up-to-date as the latest box office figures begin tumbling in, so stay tuned.