With its North America release of "The Avengers," the movie has racked up about $207.4 million in its debut.
The debut broke records as having the biggest debut in movie cinema history. Marvel has generated $702.2 million in global releases and it continues to rise. Director Joss Whedon successfully brought together Marvel's superheroes into one well packaged film that delivered story, action, humor, and character. The Avengers featured Iron Man, Thor, Hulk, Black Widow, Hawkeye, and Nick Fury battling an evil horde led by the film's villain Loki.
A sequel has already been set for a second Avengers film. In addition to bringing back together Marvel's greatest superheroes, some of them will have sequels of their own. Actor Robert Downey Jr. reprises his role as billionaire Tony Starks in Iron Man 3 while the god 'Thor' and super soldier 'Captain America' will see a second movie in the next two years.
"Eventually, (on) a date to be determined, you'll see a sequel to 'Avengers,'" said Disney Chief Executive Bob Iger.
Batman's successful films with Batman Begins and The Dark Knight is setting one of the biggest stages in movies for The Dark Knight Rises. The Dark Knight Rises, directed by Christopher Nolan, is a sequel to one of the second highest grossing movies of all times the "The Dark Knight" which was released in 2008. The Dark Knight earned over $ 1 billion in the worldwide ticket sales.
High expectations will be placed on Nolan's third and final chapter in the Batman trilogy. Despite Nolan announcing that this will be his last Batman film, Warner Bros. will seek ways to continue the success of the Batman franchise. The dark knight may see a reboot with a new cast and director in landing more Batman films in the next coming years.
The Avengers team already gains a head start with a slew of upcoming sequels but Warner Bros. may be seeing a reboot sooner than expected. Fans have seen certain film series jumpstart its franchise such as Spiderman. Spiderman 3 ended director Sam Raimi's trilogy in 2007. Pre production began not too long after as the upcoming "The Amazing Spider-Man" started pre production within a few years in 2010.
But for now, Batman will look to compete with The Avengers' monster opening with The Dark Knight Rises debut set for July 20.
A large number of parents with children went to see The Avengers, boosting ticket sales. The colorful superheroes in The Avengers may have a larger appeal with the younger audience compared to a darker adult-themed Dark Knight Rises. Also, filming The Avengers in 3D have boosted ticket sales and could edge the Dark Knight Rises, which will appear only on IMAX.
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