Suzette Cook
Marvel Studios’ “Black Widow” film dominated movie screens throughout Gainesville over the weekend and become the largest domestic opening weekend since pre-pandemic.
According to a statement released on Sunday by the Walt Disney Company, “Black Widow” debuted with an estimated total of $215 million globally over the weekend. This includes the $80 million earned at the domestic box office, $78 million in the international box office, and more than $60 million in Disney+ Premier Access that consumers spent globally.
In the three Regal Cinemas in Gainesville, Black Widow was playing on 27 out of 40 screens, according to staff.
Regal Butler Town Center 14 played nine copies of the flick on eight out of 14 screens, Regal Royal Park Stadium 16 on Newberry Road played Black Widow on 13 out of 16 screens, and Regal Celebration Pointe & RPX had six copies of the movie showing on six out of 10 screens.
All in all, 68 percent of the screens were playing the movie that stars Scarlett Johansson as she reprises her role as Natasha aka “Black Widow.” Johansson also served as an executive producer of the movie that has an action-packed storyline.
According to schedules at the three theaters, Regal Butler is showing the movie 20 times a day, Regal Royal Park Stadium is showing it 25 times a day and Regal Celebration Pointe is showing it 12 times a day.
Disney reports that the film is the first in Phase Four of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the studio said it’s the largest domestic opening weekend since “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” debuted in 2019, pre-pandemic.
“It’s incredible to see audiences enjoying Black Widow after two years without a new Marvel Studios film, and this spectacular opening weekend shows just how eager fans have been to see this beloved Avenger in her own story,” said Alan Bergman, Chairman, Disney Studios Content in a press release.
“There’s no question it’s been worth the wait – Cate Shortland, Scarlett Johansson, and the Marvel Studios team have delivered an exceptional film that continues a legacy of creative excellence as the Marvel Cinematic Universe expands and enters a new era.”
Universal’s “F9” dropped to second place with weekend sales of $10.88 million, third place went to “The Boss Baby: Family Business” with $8.7 million and “The Forever Purge” dropped to fourth place with $6.71 million in sales.