Marvel Studios simply cannot be stopped. Their latest movieDoctor Strangedoesn’t open in the U.S. Until Friday, but it is already lighting up the international box office. The movie had its opening weekend in several major foreign markets, bringing in an excellent $86 million overall for the weekend.
The numbers were reported byBox Office Mojo, revealing that Marvel does indeed have another big hit on their hands with a character very few people aside fromhardcore comic book fansare familiar with.Doctor Strangeis also continuing the trend of being well liked by both fans and critics, as the movie currently sits a very impressive 92 percent approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Social media buzz for the movie has also been highly positive and could help to propel the movie to a massive opening weekend whenDoctor Strangeopens domestically.
The $86 million number is impressive on its own, but it is even more impressive when compared against otherMarvel Studios movies.Doctor Strangedebuted 49 percent ahead ofAnt-Man, 37 percent ahead ofGuardians of the Galaxyand perhaps most impressively, 23 percent ahead ofCaptain America: The Winter Soldierin the same markets when compared to their opening weekend.Doctor Strangeopened the biggest in Korea, where the movie brought in $18.1 million this weekend. That is more thanGuardians of the Galaxy,Batman V Superman: Dawn of JusticeorSuicide Squadmade during their entire run in Korea.
Early box office tracking hadDoctor Strangelooking at as much as a $75 millionopening weekendin the U.S. Given the massive opening overseas this weekend, it is very possible that theScott Derricksondirected spectacle will surpass that number. That is good for Marvel Studios, because they have big plans for the character, as he will be heavily featured in the upcomingAvengers: Infinity Warand we can assume some sequels are in the cards ifDoctor Strangecontinues to rake it in at the box office.
Similar to movies likeAnt-ManandGuardians of the Galaxybefore it,Doctor Strangewill be a very different type of movie for Marvel. It will be a massive visual spectacle and it will be introducing the concept of straight up magic into the MCU. The movie starsBenedict Cumberbatch,Tilda Swinton,Rachel McAdams,Chiwetel Ejiofor,Benedict WongandMads Mikkelsen.Doctor Strangecomes out in the U.S. on November 4.
