Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is continuing its global domination, with the news of the latest box office numbers. While the Marvel Studios brand has helped buoy a number of underperforming films in the past, the uncanny success of 2014’s Guardians of the Galaxy was also assisted by charming characters, impressive visuals, and a soundtrack woven masterfully throughout the narrative. Even then, its global haul of over $700 million was an impressive feat and one that guaranteed James Gunn would continue making Marvel movies for years to come.

With anticipation high for the follow-up, estimates have long been tracking Guardians 2 for a huge opening and a massive worldwide haul in ticket sales. So far, it hasn’t disappointed in that regard as Marvel looks to have another big hit on their hands. Thanks to positive reviews, a big marketing push, and the excitement of moviegoers everywhere, the film opened to over $100 million internationally two weekends ago. It followed that up with a $145 million debut domestically this past weekend, placing it within spitting distance of half a billion globally. Just a few days later, and it’s already reached that coveted spot.

Deadline is reporting that, with Wednesday ticket sales accounted for, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 has now broken past $500 million. Over the past few days, the film has continued to perform well, amassing an additional $18.7 million around the world yesterday. All told, it’s brought in $325.8M in international markets, with $175.9M domestically ahead of its second weekend in theaters stateside.

Sitting at $501.7 million globally, Guardians 2 is almost guaranteed to hit the $1 billion mark before it bows out of theaters. If it does, the new movie will be one of Marvel’s most successful films of all time, boosting their $11 billion global haul for their overall MCU franchise.

Guardians 2 will certainly keep earning over the next few weeks, but now that summer movie season has properly kicked off, it’s going to have some competition. This weekend will see the premiere of King Arthur: Legend of the Sword, followed by Alien: Covenant in U.S. theaters next week. While the success of the former is anyone’s guess, the latter is riding a wave of good PR and has fans excited to revisit Ridley Scott’s classic sci-fi universe.

Even if Marvel’s first film of 2017 is unseated from the number one spot, however, it’s not likely to slow down. While other blockbusters will take bites out of its haul, Guardians 2 has done well enough that it should easily be able to coast to $1 billion around the world, with new markets opening weekly and fans eager for repeat viewings. In the end, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 bodes well for the rest of Marvel’s output this year.

Source: Deadline

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