As of right now, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is headed to an $80M Friday for what will likely be a $170 – $180M opening weekend at 4,396 theaters. Wakanda Forever represents more than 80% of the online ticket retailer’s Veterans Day sales. It is the 13th highest opening of all time, just under The Avengers’ $80.8M.
It may pass Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’ $187.4M opening weekend, but as of now, it is difficult to tell. It did come short in its previews by $8M. Doctor Strange ran at 2 hours and 6 minutes while Black Panther runs at 2 hours and 41 minutes, so that may be a factor.
It can also emulate Doctor Strange in the way it will fall. Doctor Strange fell 36% Saturday and 32% Sunday. However, Fandango reports advanced ticket sales are not front loaded and are evenly spread throughout the weekend.
The $170 – $180M range also matches the likes of Captain America: Civil War ($179.1M, No. 13) and Iron Man 3 ($174.1M, No. 16).
In 2nd, WB’s Black Adam is between $7-11M adding its Box Office earnings to $150-154M. Third, Ticket To Paradise eyes $2.4M. Fourth is Lyle, Lyle Crocodile at $1.1M.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever opens in U. S. theaters today.