There was a time when any project set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe was a guaranteed success. Movies starring unknown characters such as the Guardians of the Galaxy left a big mark at the box office, and the franchise had very few low-rated films. However, the streak finally came to an end after a series of underwhelming releases during the Multiverse Saga.
Now, blockbusters like Thunderbolts* and The Fantastic Four: First Steps barely break even at the box office despite positive reviews, while ensembles such as The Marvels and Eternals can result in a loss. But just when the longevity of the franchise was put into question, Spider-Man: Brand New Day turned things around with an astounding $2.5 billion gross at the box office. But while Spidey's success would normally be very difficult to replicate, Earth's Mightiest Heroes are aiming to surpass it.
Avengers: Doomsday is shaping up to be the biggest MCU film to date—not only in terms of characters, but in box office returns as well. After all, the upcoming crossover is shattering records for its parent studio.
Avengers: Doomsday has already grossed $125 million in pre-sales
According to Forbes, Avengers: Doomsday has already grossed $125 million in pre-sales worldwide, with $65 million estimated to come from U.S. theaters alone. What makes these numbers all the more impressive is that they were achieved over a month and a half ahead of its release, meaning they are only bound to rise as we get closer to the premiere and that it hit the total faster than Spider-Man: Brand New Day.
To put this record into perspective, here are the four MCU films that have earned the most in domestic pre-sales:
- Spider-Man: Brand New Day - $150 million
- Avengers: Endgame - $130 million
- Spider-Man: No Way Home - $78 million
- Avengers: Doomsday - $65 million
At its current pace, Avengers: Doomsday is shaping up to have one of the biggest openings at the worldwide box office. Trades suggest it could gross somewhere between $250 and $300 million during its first three days in U.S. theaters, while a $1 billion worldwide gross during that same timeframe is all but a given. Furthermore, fans are already speculating it could become the first film ever to surpass $3 billion by the end of its theatrical run.
While it is undeniable that Avengers: Doomsday will be a commercial success and turn a profit for Marvel, a key factor in determining how much it can gross throughout its entire theatrical run is its initial reviews. Earth's Mightiest Heroes have been absent from the big screen for over seven years now, so if their return is met with positive reactions, there's a chance their latest adventure could end up surpassing the total gross of Avengers: Endgame.
Industry insiders have reported that Marvel has held internal screenings for Avengers: Doomsday and that the film has tested at the same level as Avengers: Infinity War. So all signs indicate Marvel has crafted its biggest success of the Multiverse Saga (at least until Avengers: Secret Wars comes our way).
Another determining factor for Avengers: Doomsday's impact at the box office will be the success of Dune: Part Three. After all, not only is the trilogy-capper set to release on the very same day, but it has also secured a three-week IMAX exclusivity deal in the U.S. and Canada. Audiences have deemed Dec. 18, 2026, Dunesday due to the release of these two blockbusters, both of which are shaping up for big openings. As such, it will be interesting to see whether their clash will have repercussions for the box office of Avengers: Doomsday.
But regardless of competition and early reviews, Avengers: Doomsday is already positioned to become one of the most successful MCU projects ever made, and its $125 million gross from ticket pre-sales is just a sign of better things to come.
Avengers: Doomsday will be released on Dec. 18, 2026.
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