Marvel's “Black Panther” film is outperforming all films in the superhero genre by breaking pre-release ticket sale records, according to Fandango.
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Fandango – an online ticket selling site – reported that sales for the film are tracking to pass record-holder DC's “Batman v Superman,” which posted US$166 million in first-week domestic receipts.
“Black Panther” is generating the kind of buzz that is usually reserved for the summer movie season,” Paul Dergarabedian, a senior media analyst at comScore, said.
“Black Panther” had previously topped studio mate “Captain America: Civil War” to become Marvel Cinematic Universe's (MCU) top first-day seller of all time.
It broke Fandango's MCU presale ticket record within 24 hours. An all-black cast and crew, as well as a Black History Month release date also adds to the buzz.
"This is more than a movie," Dergarabedian said. "It's a cultural event that is a milestone on so many levels and as such will generate one of the biggest February debuts of all-time."
Half of the top 10 highest grossing opening belongs to superhero films.
Industry analysts have cautiously projected that "Black Panther" could open at around $130 million or higher. This figure would put “Black Panther” on the path to becoming the second film to take in over US$100 million in a February opening week – behind Deadpool's US$132 million.
Chadwick Boseman suits up as the title character with a supporting cast which includes Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong'o, Daniel Kaluuya, Angela Bassett, Forest Whitaker and Andy Serkis.
“Black Panther” is Marvel's first film directed by an African-American, Ryan Coogler.
The film hits cinemas on Feb. 16.