Spider-Man: Brand New Day nearly overtakes Avengers: Endgame

Ryan Gajewski writing at The Hollywood Reporter about Spider-Man: Brand New Day’s opening weekend:

The movie scored a head-spinning $355 million from 4,487 North American screens to land as the second-biggest domestic launch ever. Analysts had been holding their collective breath all weekend in a photo finish between Spidey and Avengers: Endgame, as the latter’s $357.1 million opening from April 2019 ultimately hung on to retain its title as the No. 1 all-time domestic opening frame.

This is huge news. I’m sure it will add fuel to the fire of debate around superhero movie fatigue.

As for why, I like this included analysis:

“To be truly honest, it feels fantastic,” Sony Pictures chief Tom Rothman tells The Hollywood Reporter. As for what worked, he says, “You’ve just got to make a really, really great film. Now, there are other more mechanical factors. There hasn’t been one in five years, so scarcity has value. The audience is very, very connected with this character. It’s a very relatable story. No matter how old or young you are, everybody wants connection in the world. Everybody needs friends — and that’s what the movie is about.”

I find myself nodding along with “make a really, really great film.” I saw it yesterday and can confirm. Spider-Man: Brand New Day is indeed a great film. My full review is coming soon.