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Things We Saw Today: Black Widow Breaks Pandemic Box Office Records

Plus Silverhawks, Pet Sematary, and more!

Scarlett Johansson and Florence Pugh in Marvel's Black Widow.

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It’s been two years since audiences saw the last Marvel film, Spider-Man: Far From Home, in the theaters. Now, after a long pandemic-induced delay, Marvel’s Phase Four kicks off with the highly anticipated release of Black Widow. Many wondered if fans would return to movie theaters for the latest entry into the MCU, or whether they would stay home and enjoy same-day streaming via Disney+’s Premier Access. The answer, it turns out, is both.

Black Widow opened this weekend to a robust $80 million domestic gross, along with foreign earning of $78.8 million for a worldwide theatrical debut of $158.8 million. In addition, Disney+ made $60 million in streaming rentals, bringing the film to cumulative opening weekend total of $218.8 million. The film edged out F9‘s own opening weekend, which saw the Vin Diesel-led franchise earning $70 million just two weeks ago.

Alan Bergman, Chairman of Disney Studios Content, said “It’s incredible to see audiences enjoying Black Widow after two years without a new Marvel Studios film, and this spectacular opening weekend shows just how eager fans have been to see this beloved Avenger in her own story. There’s no question it’s been worth the wait – Cate Shortland, Scarlett Johansson, and the Marvel Studios team have delivered an exceptional film that continues a legacy of creative excellence as the Marvel Cinematic Universe expands and enters a new era.”

Black Widow also marks the first time that a major studio has released its premium VOD/streaming grosses (Disney declined to reveal what they earned with same day streaming films Cruella and Raya and the Last Dragon). Given the success of Black Widow and the fading but far from over pandemic, it looks like simultaneous releases will be around for quite a while.

If you saw Black Widow this weekend, did you go to theaters or stream it from home? Let us know in the comments!

(via The Hollywood Reporter, image: Marvel Studios)

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Author
Chelsea Steiner
Chelsea was born and raised in New Orleans, which explains her affinity for cheesy grits and Britney Spears. An pop culture journalist since 2012, her work has appeared on Autostraddle, AfterEllen, and more. Her beats include queer popular culture, film, television, republican clownery, and the unwavering belief that 'The Long Kiss Goodnight' is the greatest movie ever made. She currently resides in sunny Los Angeles, with her husband, 2 sons, and one poorly behaved rescue dog. She is a former roller derby girl and a black belt in Judo, so she is not to be trifled with. She loves the word “Jewess” and wishes more people used it to describe her.

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