The sequel to ‘Captain Marvel,’ known as ‘Marvel Studios’ The Marvels,’ has been generating buzz due to its disappointing box office performance. According to US news agencies, the film, which had a budget of $220 million, only made $21.5 million on Friday. It is projected to earn between $47 million and $52 million in its opening weekend, falling short of expectations compared to ‘The Incredible Hulk.’ The movie is facing tough competition from Martin Scorsese’s ‘Killers of The Flower Moon’ and ‘Five Nights At Freddy’s,’ the latter of which has already earned $118.2 million domestically.
Despite this, ‘The Marvels’ has received a 62% critic rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with audience scores coming in at 85%. It’s worth noting that most box office weekends in the past two months have seen collections of less than $100 million, a significant decrease from the numbers seen during the summer. The Hollywood strikes may have contributed to ‘The Marvels’ underperforming, as those involved in the production were not able to promote the film.
The movie follows ‘Carol “Avenger” Danvers, aka Captain Marvel, reclaiming her identity from the tyrannical Kree and seeking revenge on the Supreme Intelligence. However, unintended consequences lead to her shouldering the burden of a destabilized universe. As her duties lead her to an anomalous wormhole linked to a Kree revolutionary, her powers become entangled with two other superheroes, Kamala Khan/Ms Marvel and Monica Rambeau, to form ‘The Marvels.’ Brie Larson and Iman Vellani reprise their roles as ‘Carol “Avenger” Danvers and Kamala Khan/Ms. Marvel respectively, with Samuel L. Jackson playing Nick Fury. The film is directed by Nia DaCosta and written by Gene Colan and Roy Thomas, who created the characters. Kevin Feige serves as the producer, with Matthew Jenkins and Mary Livanos as the executive producers. Originally slated for release on November 11, 2022, the film has faced challenges due to the Hollywood strikes.