Marvel Studios’ latest blockbuster, Captain America: Brave New World, has stormed the box office, raking in a staggering $40 million on its opening day and preview screenings, per variety.com. This marks the biggest opening weekend of 2025 so far, surpassing Universal’s Dog Man, which previously held the record with a $36 million debut. The film, which premiered in 4,105 locations, is on track to earn over $90 million during the extended Presidents Day holiday weekend.
The fourth installment in the Captain America franchise, Brave New World is a pivotal moment for Marvel Studios. It’s the 34th entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and comes on the heels of The Marvels, which underperformed in late 2023, grossing only $206 million globally. However, Marvel bounced back last summer with Deadpool & Wolverine, which shattered records with a $1.3 billion global haul. Brave New World now faces the challenge of proving the enduring appeal of Disney’s homegrown Marvel properties, particularly with Anthony Mackie taking over the titular role from Chris Evans, who last appeared as Steve Rogers in 2019’s Avengers: Endgame.
Despite its strong box office start, Brave New World has received mixed reviews. Critics have called it one of the weakest entries in the MCU, and it earned a franchise-low B- grade from Cinema Score, a key indicator of audience reception. This lukewarm response raises questions about its staying power in the coming weeks. With a production budget of $180 million and significant global marketing costs, the film’s long-term success remains uncertain.
The movie also introduces Harrison Ford as General “Thunderbolt” Ross, now serving as the President of the United States. Ford steps into the role previously played by the late William Hurt, who passed away in 2022. The ensemble cast includes Danny Ramirez, Shira Haas, Carl Lumbly, Tim Blake Nelson and Giancarlo Esposito, with Julius Onah directing.
While Captain America dominates, other films are making waves at the box office. Sony’s Paddington in Peru is set to take second place, earning $5.1 million on its opening day. The beloved bear’s third adventure has already grossed over $100 million internationally and is projected to bring in $17 million over the four-day holiday weekend. Audiences and critics alike have embraced the film, with Cinema Score awarding it an A grade.
Universal’s Dog Man continues to perform well, fetching $2.7 million on Friday and aiming for a $10.2 million weekend total. The DreamWorks Animation production has already surpassed $70 million domestically. Meanwhile, Sony’s Heart Eyes, a romantic-comedy slasher hybrid, is capitalising on Valentine’s Day weekend, earning $4.9 million on Friday and projected to add $9.8 million over the three-day frame.
Rounding out the top five is the Chinese animated fantasy Ne Zha 2, which grossed $3.1 million on Friday from 660 locations. While its US audience is niche, the film has been a massive hit in China, becoming the first movie to earn $1 billion from a single territory. Its global success cements it as one of the highest-grossing films of 2025.
- Featured image courtesy Disney
