May 07--Marvel's Avengers going to war can mean only one thing: complete box-office domination.
"Captain America: Civil War," the latest offering from Disney's Marvel Studios, grossed an estimated $75.2 million at the box office Friday, including $25 million from Thursday night showings alone, according to industry estimates.
As the only major studio release opening this weekend, Cap and crew have little in the way of box-office competition, as fellow Walt Disney Studio production "The Jungle Book," which held the top box office spot for three consecutive weeks, slipped to No. 2, bringing in an estimated $5.6 million on Friday.
"Civil War" is looking to have a historically large opening weekend box office total, if lower than the $200 million weekend take some predicted before its release. If the film can crack $174.1 million in the first weekend, it will unseat "Iron Man 3" as the fifth-highest opening of all time.
The film features Captain America (Chris Evans) and Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.) on opposite sides of a battle that threatens to tear the Avengers asunder. It's helmed by Joe and Anthony Russo, directors of "Captain America: The Winter Soldier" as well the next two "Avengers" films.
In addition to its big box-office numbers, "Civil War" is also pulling positive reviews from fans and critics alike, with the movie averaging a 75 at Metacritic, 91% at Rotten Tomatoes and an average grade of A from early viewers, according to audience polling firm CinemaScore.
Outside of the weekend's big release, the films at the top of the box office remain largely unchanged from last weekend. Behind "Jungle Book" are Garry Marshall's critically savaged "Mother's Day," which grossed $1.9 million on Friday and "The Huntsman: Winter's War" which brought in $956,000. Rounding out Friday's top five is "Keanu," the kitty-based comedy from Keegan Michael-Key and Jordan Peele, grossing $925,000.
"Civil War" is also poised to have a big weekend overseas, debuting in China, Argentina and Russia. The film has already generated $291 million in box-office receipts overseas.
More on "Captain America: Civil War":
How Sony's Spider-Man became integral to Marvel's "Civil War"
With "Captain America: Civil War," Sebastian Stan crosses over from parts unknown
Why do we love watching the good guys fight?
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