‘Avengers: Infinity War’ on Track for Heroic Opening'
One week before it hits theaters, “Avengers: Infinity War” is poised for a massive box office debut that could unseat 2015’s “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” as the biggest opening of all time in the U.S. and Canada, currently $248 million.
The third “Avengers” movie has already sold more than $50 million worth of advance tickets, behind only “The Force Awakens” and December’s “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” in all-time presales, said people familiar with the matter. However, surveys of moviegoers show their interest in seeing “Infinity War” is actually higher than the “Star Wars” films and other comparable blockbusters, according to data reviewed by The Wall Street Journal.
Among people surveyed in research widely used in Hollywood, 45% named “Infinity War” as their first choice to see among all upcoming films. At the same point in time before its opening, “The Force Awakens” was at 33%.
Some opening night screenings for “Avengers: Infinity War” next Thursday night are already sold out and theaters are adding showings overnight at times like 2:30 a.m.
Whether “Infinity War” unseats “The Force Awakens” or falls a bit short, it is good news for Walt Disney Co. , which made it both through its Marvel Studios and Lucasfilm divisions, respectively.