Marvel Studios' latest installment "Captain America: Brave New World" is projected to deliver solid box office numbers during its Presidents Day weekend release, with industry analysts forecasting an opening between $90-95 million.
The film, which marks Anthony Mackie's first solo outing as Captain America following Chris Evans' departure, carries a production budget of $180 million according to The Hollywood Reporter. This positions the movie for potential profitability if audience reception remains positive.
Set to benefit from the Valentine's Day and Presidents Day holiday window, "Brave New World" enters a relatively uncrowded marketplace, with minimal competition from other action-adventure releases in the preceding weeks.
The projected opening numbers align with 2014's "Captain America: The Winter Soldier," though falling short of "Civil War's" $179 million debut. Industry watchers note this performance would place the film alongside other MCU entries like "Doctor Strange" and "Thor: The Dark World," which both opened in the $85 million range.
The story follows Sam Wilson (Mackie) investigating a conspiracy involving the President of the United States, played by Harrison Ford, who transforms into the menacing Red Hulk. The cast includes acclaimed actors Giancarlo Esposito, Tim Blake Nelson, and Liv Tyler.
This release carries added weight for Marvel Studios as it concludes Phase 5 of their cinematic universe. A strong performance could help reinvigorate audience enthusiasm following recent box office disappointments like "The Marvels."
Mackie recently described his character's journey, telling Deadline: "Sam's evolution is simple. He's still a counselor. He's still serving soldiers, but at the same time, now he's a leader of his community in the country."
The film opens nationwide on Presidents Day weekend, looking to capitalize on the holiday frame that previously served Marvel well with releases like "Black Panther" and "Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania."