Marvel's 'Endgame: Encore' Leads Previews, A24's 'Primetime' Shows Strong Start
Thursday previews saw Disney/Marvel's 'Avengers: Endgame: Encore' gross $3.8 million, ahead of 'Revenge of the Sith's' $3.4 million. A24's 'Primetime' earned $2.7 million, while Paramount's 'Heart of the Beast' took in $2 million from previews and mystery screenings. The weekend could see four films open above $20 million.
Thursday preview grosses placed Marvel's "Endgame: Encore" at $3.8 million, edging past the $3.4 million earned by "Revenge of the Sith" in its preview run. The original "Avengers: Endgame" previously held the domestic preview record at $60 million before being surpassed by "Spider-Man: Brand New Day," now ranking second all-time.
A24's "Primetime" collected $2.7 million from previews, falling just $200,000 short of the studio's "Civil War" preview figure, which ultimately opened to $25.5 million. Paramount's "Heart of the Beast" brought in $2 million combined from Thursday showings and Monday mystery screenings, outperforming "Ad Astra's" $1.5 million preview take. The film holds a 97% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, far exceeding "Ad Astra's" 40% rating.
This weekend's box office could signal renewed theatrical vitality, with four films potentially opening above $20 million simultaneously. Such breadth may indicate audiences are returning to cinemas across genres, from superhero spectacles to indie dramas. Studios and exhibitors could benefit from diversified offerings, while consumers gain more choices. However, sustained success depends on whether these preview numbers translate to full-weekend turnout, which may shape future release strategies and investment decisions across the industry.