Spider-Man crosses US$1b mark to lead box office for 2021
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SPIDER-MAN fans continued jamming cinemas around the world to see the newest installment of the superhero franchise, putting aside concerns about rising Covid-19 cases and pushing the film beyond the US$1 billion mark to become the top-grossing film of 2021 globally.
Spider-Man: No Way Home took in an estimated US$81.5 million in North American ticket sales in its second weekend, the studio behind the film, Sony Group, said on Sunday (Dec 26).
The movie, produced along with Walt Disney's Marvel Studios, had the second-biggest opening in Hollywood history last week, trailing only 2019's Avengers: Endgame.
As it has in so many businesses, the pandemic intensified trends already at play in the movie industry.
A few big event pictures now grab most of the ticket sales, while other films struggle to find an audience.
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No Way Home maintained its top spot even as a number of new releases vied for Christmas holiday patrons, including the kid-targeted Sing 2, which researcher Comscore said brought in US$23.8 million in the US and Canada over the 3-day weekend.
No Way Home features an all-star cast, including Tom Holland as the titular superhero and Zendaya as his girlfriend, Mary Jane.
In a further tie-in with the Marvel universe, Benedict Cumberbatch also stars as the magic-wielding neurosurgeon Doctor Strange.
Other actors from the Spider-Man series also appear. The related social media buzz drew fans out of their homes and into cinemas, the only place where No Way Home was available.
Sing 2 is a sequel to the animated film about animals putting on a show from Comcast Corp's Universal Pictures. The picture includes the voices of Matthew McConaughey, Reese Witherspoon and Scarlett Johansson.
Its 5-day North America total was US$41 million, Universal said, including about US$1.6 million from some limited Thanksgiving weekend showings.
The Matrix Resurrections, from Warner Bros, finished third, with US$12 million. Its cast includes Keanu Reeves as the gravity-defying computer programmer, Neo, and Carrie-Anne Moss, as his dangerous sidekick and love interest.
The film, an attempt to revive the franchise after an 18-year hiatus, debuted in cinemas and on the HBO Max streaming service, potentially diluting its box office.
The King's Man, a prequel to the Kingsman spy action series from Disney 20th Century Studios starring Ralph Fiennes, took in US$6.35 million, Comscore said. BLOOMBERG
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