We told you it was inevitable, but the big day happened even faster than we predicted. It only took 13 weekends for Marvel Studios’ “Avengers: Endgame” to power past the global box office record that had been held by “Avatar” for the past 10 years.
While final box office results for Sunday are yet to be made official, Disney sent out a statement marking the achievement this morning based on their own estimates.
“A huge congratulations to the Marvel Studios and Walt Disney Studios teams, and thank you to the fans around the world who lifted ‘Avengers: Endgame’ to these historic heights,” said Alan Horn, Co-Chairman and Chief Creative Officer of The Walt Disney Studios, of the historic achievement.
“Of course, even with the passage of a decade, the impact of James Cameron’s Avatar remains as powerful as ever,” continued Horn. “The astonishing achievements of both of these films are ongoing proof of the power of movies to move people and bring them together in a shared experience. The talented filmmakers behind these worlds have much more in store, and we look forward to the future of both the Marvel Cinematic Universe and Pandora.”
“Avengers: Endgame” shattered records when it opened day-and-date April 26 with $1.2236 billion globally, including $357.1 million and $866.5 million internationally. It crossed the $1 billion mark in just five days and the $2 billion mark in 11.
To date Endgame is the No. 2 domestic and international release of all time, with $853.4 million and $1.9358 billion, respectively. It’s the No. 1 release of all time in 25 territories, and the No. 3 highest grossing film of all time in China with $629 million.
Avatar, released in 2009, has grossed a total of $2.7897 billion. With the results this weekend, Endgame will move into the top spot and will continue to grow its box office as home video release as a digital download isn’t until July 30 and later for the physical DVD/Blu-Ray copy.
With the purchase of 21st Century Fox, Disney now owns 4 of the top 5 worldwide grossing films (not adjusted for inflation, ‘natch), including Avatar, and 7 of the top 10. No wonder Disney is considered the new unstoppable force in Hollywood.