LOS ANGELES, BALIPOST.com – Superhero blockbuster “Avengers: Endgame” has officially become the biggest movie of all time, Disney confirmed Sunday, ending the 10-year reign of James Cameron’s “Avatar” atop the global box office.
The epic finale to Disney-owned Marvel’s 22-movie “Infinity Saga” story-arc took in an estimated $1.5 million at home and abroad in its 13th weekend to bring its total since its April 26 release to $2.7902 billion.
“Avatar,” released in 2009, made $2.7897 billion, including its original theatrical run and various re-releases.
Marvel Studios and its parent company pre-empted the announcement on Saturday, revealing that “Endgame” was just $500,000 behind as of Friday, and would “close this gap by tomorrow.”
The coronation of “Endgame” was timed to coincide with the appearance of Marvel president Kevin Feige at San Diego Comic-Con, the world’s biggest pop culture fan convention.
“You have to shout out to James Cameron, who held that title for a long time,” Feige said.
“If you adjust for inflation he still holds the title, and he’ll probably get the title again as soon as he puts out another movie. But for right now… ‘Avengers: Endgame’ is the biggest film of all time.”
Both films are now owned by Disney following its takeover of 21st Century Fox.
“Endgame” drew a sky-high 94 percent rating on the Rotten Tomatoes website and features a star-studded cast including Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Bradley Cooper and Josh Brolin.
The fourth and final chapter in the adventures of Iron Man, Hulk, Thor and company cost around $500 million to make, including marketing costs.
It set a new standard for Hollywood blockbusters in its opening weekend with stunning hauls of $357 million in North America and $1.2 billion worldwide.
Packed with spectacular fight scenes, special effects, gags and tear-jerking moments, it almost doubled the previous world record opening weekend take held by its predecessor, “Avengers: Infinity War.”
Among the many other superlatives thrown in Marvel’s direction, “Endgame” was the widest release in North American history, showing on 4,662 screens in the US and Canada. (AFP)
