Marvel has been on an absolute tear this year. Currently, 4 films have been released under the comic book giant’s banner, with 2 films, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 and Spider-Man: Homecoming, grossing over $800 million individually in the box office during their respective theater times. Now, a 3rd Marvel may be joining the elite group by the end of this weekend – Thor: Ragnarok, the second-highest rated Marvel film of all time, is $2 million away from joining the highly-esteemed group of films. It is projected that the film should reach this goal by the end of the weekend, if not by Friday alone. This will put Marvel films at $2.4 billion for 2017 alone.

It is not surprising to see the huge box offices for these films, with a heavier focus on blending comedy and action in contrast to the more bleak tones of many of Marvel’s previous films. This newer trend of “comedic superhero” films began with Guardians of the Galaxy and was pushed into the mainstream by 2016’s Deadpool. The comedic moments have helped to breathe life into some of the one-sided characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, like the previously mentioned Thor. The new comedy to the films may have also increased the range of the audience, which would in turn increase box office sales.

Because of the huge successes of these films, a new standard has been created and we hope that Marvel will be able to meet those standards in the newer projects, including next year’s Avengers: Infinity War and 2019’s Captain Marvel.