KUALA LUMPUR – Whether it is superhero fatigue or boycott calls against Disney, The Marvels is headed for the worst start in the history of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the movie raked in US$21.5 million when it premiered in the US on Friday, which points to a domestic opening of US$47-US$52 million.
Apart from earnings, critics have not been as kind either as The Marvels, handing a B CinemaScore from audiences and a Rotten Tomatoes critics’ score of 62%.
It’s the third MCU title to get a B, after Eternals and Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantamania. Most of the MCU movies have been given some variation of an A.
The Marvels is a prequel to the 2019 Captain Marvel starring Brie Larson, which opened to US$153.4 million in North America and raking US$1.13 billion worldwide. Overseas, The Marvels is on track for a global start of US$140 million, US$50 million lower than Captain Marvel.
To date, 2008’s The Incredible Hulk holds the worst domestic opening at US$55.4 million, which predates its Disney ownership, followed by Ant-Man, which started with US $57.2 million domestically in 2015.
Meanwhile, controversies surrounding Disney continue to dog the company, with the most recent being pro-Palestinian groups calling for a boycott after CEO Bob Iger’s statement last month.
After announcing a US$2 million donation to humanitarian efforts in Israel, Iger reportedly went on to condemn the Hamas attack that took place on October 7.
“In the wake of the horrific terrorist attacks targeting Jews in Israel this past weekend, we must all do what we can to support the innocent people experiencing so much pain, violence, and uncertainty – particularly children,” he said in a statement.
This angered many around the world as Disney did not offer direct aid to children suffering in Gaza.
Another controversy ahead for the troubled company is the plans to introduce the first Israeli superhero to the MCU.
Last year, Disney announced that the character Sabra played by Israeli actress Shira Haas will make her debut alongside Anthony Mackie in Captain America: New World Order next year. – November 12, 2023