Heading into 2016, superhero fans would have picked two films that they were most excited for: "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice" and "Captain America: Civil War." Both movies featured epic superhero team-ups, and both movies represented pivotal moments for their respective studios.
Despite a mammoth opening weekend of $166 million, "Batman v Superman" was brought down by a wave of negative reviews and fan backlash, which likely sank any chance that the film had of crossing the coveted $1 billion mark at the worldwide box office. The poor response also opened the door for Marvel to strike yet another blow against their main rivals.
Early tracking reports are coming in and "Civil War" is projected to earn $220 million at the domestic box office during its opening weekend, giving Marvel yet another leg up on Warner Bros.
But the disparity in projected totals shouldn't come as a complete surprise. The Marvel Cinematic Universe has been going strong since 2008, whereas "Batman v Superman" marked the true introduction into the DC Extended Universe. After two phases and 12 previous films, movie-goers are more familiar and connected to Marvel's characters than they are to DC's at this point. Superman's divisive introduction in 2013's "Man of Steel" likely didn't help matters, either.
But "Civil War's" expected success also comes down to something much simpler: reviews. "Batman v Superman" was shredded by countless critics (perhaps to an exaggerated degree), whereas "Civil War" is generally being praised across the board ahead of its May release. With overwhelmingly positive reviews from critics, is it any wonder why film fans may be more excited for "Civil War" than they were for the dreary "Batman v Superman?"
If "Civil War's" early projected numbers hold up (and remember, these are just early projections, not facts), it would set some serious records. Not only would $220 million topple 2012's "The Avengers" ($207 million) for biggest MCU opening weekend, it would also put it on track to compete with "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" ($245 million) when all is said and done.
We'll keep you posted as more tracking reports come in.
"Captain America: Civil War" will hit theaters on May 6.
Follow Brandon Katz at @Great_Katzby
