In just a few short days, an over two-year period of excitement and anticipation reaches its climax via the worldwide theatrical debut of Zack Snyder’s Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice. While word coming out of the film’s big NYC premiere is quite positive, some still remain skeptical of whether Batman V Superman can possibly live up to the hype. After all, a big-screen battle between the Caped Crusader and the Last Son of Krypton is something superhero fans have eagerly dreamed about for decades, and that kind of build-up can often lead to unrealistic expectations. Whether BVS sets a new standard for excellence for DC cinematic endeavors to come remains to be seen, but one area not likely to disappoint is the film’s box office take.
According to the latest industry tracking estimates, BVS is on pace to rake in a hefty $350 million global opening weekend, with roughly $150 million of that projected to come from domestic ticket sales. A $350 million haul would earn the film the title of second-highest pre-summer worldwide opening in history, behind only Furious 7’s $397.7 million global kick-off. Along with that achievement, BVS would also snatch the crown of second-highest worldwide Easter weekend opening, also behind Furious 7. Previously thought of by studios as not a big holiday weekend for moviegoers, the Good Friday spot is rapidly becoming prime real estate for big-time Hollywood franchise releases.
If those predictions come true, it’s hard to imagine Batman V Superman not bringing in a profit for Warner Bros. and DC when things are all said and done. It won’t be immediate, though, as BVS is estimated to have cost the studio around $400 million – a rumor which would put it as one of the most expensive films in history.
That creates quite the financial hill for the film to climb, meaning all eyes will be on its box office take for weeks and months to come. But here is where the late March release date may wind up benefitting the film’s overall take: The relative dearth of tentpole releases until the early May premiere of Captain America: Civil War actually creates a good climate for BVS to play the long game, and perhaps stay near the top of the box office charts for several weeks following its initial theatrical bow.
After months and months of teasers, trailers, merchandise, viral websites and other promotional diversions, Batman V Superman is finally poised to reveal itself to the world at large. A positive critical reception and enthusiastic fan response could confirm DC’s challenge to Marvel’s current stranglehold on the comic book movie marketplace. Whereas a negative backlash against the film could very well find Warner Bros. questioning their commitment to the still-maturing DC cinematic universe. Either way, it’s an exciting time to be a superhero fan.
Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice opens on March 25th, 2016, followed by Suicide Squad on August 5th, 2016; Wonder Woman on June 23rd, 2017; Justice League Part One on November 17th, 2017; The Flash on March 16th, 2018; Aquaman on July 27th, 2018; Shazam on April 5th, 2019; Justice League Part Two on June 14th, 2019; Cyborg on April 3rd, 2020; and Green Lantern Corps. on June 19th, 2020.
Source: Deadline
