Three years ago, The Avengers blew away all expectations and set a new opening weekend high of $207.4 million that shattered the previous mark by more than $30 million. Will history be made once again at the box office as the sequel Avengers: Age of Ultron [AVNG2] arrives this weekend? The warmly received first film held on to bank $623.4 million. The same cast returns with director Joss Whedon [JWHED] once again at the helm.The PG-13 rated sequel introduces a couple of new members Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver as the band of superheroes takes on an evil artificial intelligence as well as remnants of HYDRA. The Disney marketing machine has been in overdrive and awareness for the blockbuster is well saturated. Age of Ultron has already opened overseas and reviews have been mostly positive. Advance ticket sales are well ahead of the first film, and the sequel will have the advantage of starting earlier at 7pm on Thursday.
The question, however, is how much growth remains at an already lofty height? While the first film was the culmination of a four year build-up that finally brought together Iron Man, Hulk, Thor and Captain America, the sequel doesn’t have the same unique urgency. Saturday is also a big sporting day with Kentucky Derby during the day and what’s shaping up to be the biggest boxing match ever between Mayweather and Pacquiao. While fanboys will be out in force, the casual moviegoers could opt to wait. Invading 4276 theaters, Avengers: Age of Ultron may assemble $215 million.
After four weeks at the top, Furious 7 [FAST7] will relinquish the throne to the competition but should still finish second with about $9 million. Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 [MALC2] looks to continue its strong hold with another $8.5 million.
With its older female target audience, The Age of Adaline [ADALN] shouldn’t be too affected by the Avengers. The Age of Adaline could hold better than 55% in its second weekend at $7.5 million..
That’s the whisper from the virtual trading floor.
Tag(s): AVNG2, JWHED, FAST7, MALC2, ADALN