The film opens over Easter weekend, a holiday that often sees healthy box-office returns. Estimates from rival studios and other analysts predict that Batman v Superman will open to $100 million to $140 million, according to Deadline. There is even speculation that the superhero flick could outdo The Hunger Games‘ 2012 domestic opening, which set a March record with $152.54 million. (The film went on to gross $408.01 million at the North American box office, according to Box Office Mojo data.)
The pre-sale will provide additional data to guide estimates when it begins on Monday. In the meantime, Cinemark Theatres tweeted out new of the pre-sale, asking fans whose side they are on.
Who’s side are you on? RT if you’re marking your calendar! Tix are on sale starting 2/29 10AM EST! #BatmanvSuperman pic.twitter.com/pjm62ohsCc
— Cinemark Theatres (@Cinemark) February 24, 2016
Batman v Superman‘s predecessor, Man of Steel garnered $116.62 million in its domestic opening back in June 2013. The latest DC Comic flick is expected to surpass it, given that it unites the popular Batman and Superman franchises. The opening comes in the wake of fellow superhero movie Deadpool‘s record-setting success, but unlike the Marvel flick, Batman v Superman opted for a PG-13 rating. (An R-rated version will be released for home viewing.)
The movie features conflict between Batman (played by Ben Affleck) and Superman (Henry Cavill) in the wake of Superman’s epic city-destroying battle featured in Man of Steel. The film also stars Jesse Eisenberg, Amy Adams, Diane Lane, Gal Gadot, and more. Man of Steel director Zack Snyder helmed the movie, which is written by Chris Terrio and David S. Goyer and produced by Charles Roven and Deborah Snyder.
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice opens on March 25.
