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The Spider-Man box office opened its newest chapter with record-setting Thursday previews for Spider-Man: Brand New Day. The early turnout gives the superhero film strong momentum entering its first full weekend.
Sony Pictures released the movie in North American theaters on Friday, July 31. Tom Holland returns as Peter Parker in the latest installment of the blockbuster franchise.
Thursday previews boost Spider-Man box office
Brand New Day delivered record preview business Thursday. The performance placed the movie among the strongest preview openings in box office history.
Thursday previews help studios measure early audience demand. However, these screenings now often begin during the afternoon. Therefore, comparisons with older midnight-only releases are not always exact.
For context, Spider-Man: No Way Home earned $50 million from Thursday previews in December 2021. At the time, it recorded the third-highest preview total ever.
Avengers: Endgame holds the overall benchmark with $60 million. Star Wars: The Force Awakens follows with $57 million.
No Way Home went on to earn $260 million during its domestic opening weekend. Its final North American total exceeded $800 million.
A major opening weekend awaits
The Thursday performance points toward another major opening for Holland’s Spider-Man. Still, Friday and Saturday attendance will determine the size of the final weekend total.
Friday ticket sales will reveal whether demand extends beyond the franchise’s most dedicated fans. Meanwhile, Saturday business will show how strongly the movie connects with families and younger audiences.
Positive audience reactions could also increase walk-up sales. Strong word of mouth would help the film maintain momentum throughout August.
The movie entered theaters with widespread public awareness. Holland first played Spider-Man in Captain America: Civil War in 2016. His three previous solo movies became worldwide commercial hits.
Brand New Day begins a fresh chapter
Destin Daniel Cretton directed Spider-Man: Brand New Day. The story follows the events of No Way Home, which ended with the world forgetting Peter Parker’s identity.
That conclusion created a new starting point for the character. It also allowed the filmmakers to move Peter into another stage of his personal life.
The movie carries high expectations for Sony and Marvel Studios. Spider-Man remains one of the entertainment industry’s most recognizable superhero properties.
However, record preview sales do not guarantee a historic final total. The film must continue attracting casual moviegoers after the opening rush.
Repeat attendance will also play an important role. In addition, international ticket sales will help determine the movie’s worldwide standing.
Final numbers will complete the picture
The first domestic weekend estimate should arrive Sunday. Final studio totals are expected Monday after theaters report updated ticket sales.
Those results will show whether the record Thursday launch produced steady attendance across the weekend. They will also reveal how Brand New Day compares with Holland’s earlier Spider-Man films.
For moviegoers, the release brings a major attraction to theaters during the final stretch of summer. Its performance will also test the continuing demand for superhero adventures on the big screen.