Marvel Cinematic Universe fans face sobering news as Captain America: Brave New World crashes 68% in its second weekend, earning $28.2 million domestically. This marks the third-worst sophomore slump in MCU history, trailing only The Marvels (-78%) and Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (-70%). Despite a $289.4 million global haul, critics and audiences agree the Anthony Mackie-led film fails to revive the franchise’s pre-Endgame glory.
Meanwhile, Neon’s The Monkey claws its way to a $14.2 million opening – the distributor’s second-best debut after 2024’s Longlegs. Director Oz Perkins’ Stephen King adaptation employed chilling marketing tactics, including cemetery screenings and a funeral-themed premiere, to fuel interest. While audiences gave it a lukewarm C+ CinemaScore, horror’s built-in fanbase continues driving profits for Neon and partner Blumhouse.
Key box office takeaways:
- Marvel’s diminishing returns spark industry concerns
- Neon’s low-budget horror strategy pays dividends
- Paddington in Peru crosses $125 million internationally
- China’s Ne Zha 2 becomes highest-grossing animated film ever ($1.7B)
With minimal competition until April, Brave New World could stabilize despite its rocky start. However, the MCU’s recent struggles highlight shifting audience appetites – a trend Neon capitalizes on through bold genre films and viral marketing. As studios recalibrate strategies, this weekend proves mid-budget horrors and international titles increasingly threaten superhero dominance.
