Black Panther has fifth highest debut ever at North American cinemas, and it’s a blockbuster in the true sense of the word
People lined up around the block outside North American cinemas to see first big-budget superhero film with a largely black cast, as anticipation, critical acclaim and its groundbreaking nature swept Black Panther into unexpected box office territory
A wave of feverish anticipation, fawning critical acclaim and groundbreaking cultural meaning pushed Black Panther to a record-setting US$192 million debut in United States and Canada cinemas, firmly establishing the superhero sensation as a box-office landmark.
The Marvel film from the Walt Disney Co. blew past expectations to become the fifth-highest-grossing debut ever, not adjusting for inflation, following only Star Wars: The Force Awakens , Star Wars: The Last Jedi , Jurassic World and The Avengers.
This is the very definition of a blockbuster: people lining up around the block to see a great movie
In estimates Sunday, Disney predicted a four-day holiday weekend of US$218 million domestically and a global debut of US$361 million.
Though the film’s international footprint doesn’t include several of the largest markets – China, Russia and Japan – it still ranks among the top 15 global debuts ever. It’s also the highest-grossing February opening weekend.
“All hail the King of Wakanda!” Disney declared, referring to the movie’s mythical and highly advanced African nation.
Ryan Coogler’s film, which cost about US$200 million to make, is the most expensive movie with a largely black ensemble and among the few to be centred on a black superhero. The strong opening suggests Black Panther will easily set a box-office record for films directed by a black filmmaker.