The latest X-Men entry in the long-running franchise has proven popular among movie-goers once again. Apocalypse effortlessly surpassed the friendlier Alice Through the Looking Glass with $65 million in revenue during this past three-day weekend. Analysts estimate the movie will reach $80 million by the end of the four-day holiday.
Various sources expected the film to make roughly $90 million, but momentum slowed down following other weekend activities among audiences. The movie has made an estimated $55 million globally during the three-day holiday, with a total of $185.8 million (as it opened in various markets over a week ago).
“We’re very happy with this result as we introduce new characters in the X-Men universe,” Fox’ Chris Aronson said in a press release. “And for us to be at this number globally already means we’re in good shape.”
Many cast members made a return in the latest Bryan Singer film, including James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence, Nicholas Hoult, Rose Byrne, and Lucas Till. Fan favorite Hugh Jackman also made a cameo appearance as Wolverine.
Several newcomers have been introduced to the franchise, including Oscar Isaac, Alexandra Shipp, Tve Sheridan, Olivia Munn, Sophie Turner, among others.
Contrary to Apocalypse, Disney’s Alice Through the Looking Glass tanked with overwhelmingly negative reviews and a total of $28 million during the three-day weekend. Analysts estimate the film to make $35 million by the end of the four-day holiday, a 70 percent drop over 2010’s Alice in Wonderland.
“It’s disappointing. The domestic opening is wildly less than what every tracking service had us at,” Disney’s Dave Hollis stated. “We’re in the tentpole business. More often than not, they turn out to be huge successes. We’ll continue to take those big bets. In this instance, it didn’t turn out as we hoped.”
Through the Looking Glass fared better overseas, however, with $65 million during the three-day weekend.