'Guardians of the Galaxy' Powers to $140-Million-Plus Weekend
by EG
Marvel and Disney's Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 rocketed to $56.3 million Friday from 4,347 theaters for a weekend debut in the $140 million range at the North American box office, well ahead of the first film.
On Thursday night alone, the quirky superhero sequel nabbed $17 million in previews, compared to $11.2 million for Guardians of the Galaxy in August 2014. Guardians of the Galaxy — a surprise hit considering it features a rag-tag group of lessor-known superheroes — opened to a strong $94.3 million on its way to grossing $773 million globally.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 — earning an A CinemaScore — officially kicks off the summer season at the box office. This is the fifth year in a row that a Marvel tentpole has done so. Heading into the weekend, tracking suggested anywhere from $130 million to $150 million.
Read the rest of this article at The Hollywood Reporter.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 stars Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, and Kurt Russell.