As a superhero sequel, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse was always going to outperform its predecessor at the box office, especially when the original is an Academy Award-winning instant classic that’s widely regarded as one of the greatest superhero movies of all-time.
However, even the most optimistic of projections surely couldn’t have guess that it would set a record for the biggest opening day of 2023 so far. With a mighty take of $51.7 million, Across the Spider-Verse has overtaken Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, The Super Mario Bros. Movie, and every other blockbuster to release since January 1.
Not only that, but it’s also the third highest-grossing first day for any Spider-Man movie ever, with only the $121.9 million of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s No Way Home and Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man 3 earning $59.8 million out in front. The middle chapter in Sony’s web-slinging trilogy is now looking at a three-day tally of around $115 million, roughly three times ahead of Into the Spider-Verse.
Anyone who says comic book fatigue is starting to set in need only look at Across the Spider-Verse and James Gunn’s third Guardians adventure to see evidence to the contrary, and there’s another lurking one just around the corner in The Flash. Funnily enough, it’s beginning to look as though the acclaimed ones tend to draw audiences to the theater, which is hardly a jaw-dropping development.
Every bit as good as the opener, Across the Spider-Verse is another phenomenal showcase for animation as a medium and cutting-edge Marvel storytelling as a whole, with the film deserving every penny it makes.
Published: Jun 3, 2023 11:16 am