In case you have been living in a cave the past year or so, you may have heard about this little film called Guardians of the Galaxy. The movie is from this relatively unknown studio, Marvel, and for whatever reason, people are lining up around the block to see it.
Deadpool Ain't No Hollaback Girl
We use the term 'lining up' metaphorically, of course. Fandango is reporting that Guardians of the Galaxy, which hits theaters in the US on Friday, is on track to break a number of records. The film has scored 93% of all ticket sales for this weekend on the site, with the other seven percent reserved for the James Brown biopic Get On Up, I would assume.
This puts it ahead of Marvel's other franchise starters Thor and Captain America and is on its way to being the biggest August pre-seller in Fandango's history. The previous record holder was 2007's The Bourne Ultimatum and man, wasn't that disappointing?
Guardians Of The Galaxy Comes To Minecraft
Chris Pratt is having a solid year in Fandango's eyes. Guardians stars the Parks and Recreation star, who also voiced the main character in this year's other #1 non-sequel pre-seller, The LEGO Movie.
"In a year filled with sequels and remakes, 'Guardians' feels fresher and more fun than any superhero movie so far this year," says Fandango Chief Correspondent Dave Karger. "Fans are craving the film's originality and that's translating to stellar advance ticket sales for a franchise first. Chris Pratt makes for a charmingly goofy and commanding hero in 'Guardians,' and between this leading role and his voice work in The LEGO Movie, 2014 is shaping up to be Pratt's breakout year."
Analysts are predicting that film could rake in $65 million, with some arguing for as much as $70 million, which would put it around the same as the first Captain America film. The original Iron Man, for comparison, took in $98 its first weekend.
A poll of 1000 Fandango users broke down some of the reasons why they're interested:
95% are attracted by the film's off-the-wall humor;
87% plan to attend the movie with a group of friends on opening weekend;
85% are looking forward to seeing Chris Pratt in his breakout role as Peter Quill ("Star-Lord");
80% are already interested in seeing additional "Guardians" movies;
73% claimed the movie's retro soundtrack made them more excited to see it;
67% picked Rocket Racoon (Bradley Cooper) as the otherworldly character they're most anticipating; I guess people haven't started 'faunaing' over Groot yet. They will, though. They will.
58% were previously unfamiliar with the "Guardians" comic books.
Fandango also broke out some exclusive Guardians swag, like this propaganda poster.
If you haven't already gotten your tickets, there may still be time! Head on over to Fandango. After all, the Guardians need you!
