Marvel Studios’ latest installment, Captain America: Brave New World, has found itself struggling at the box office since its Valentine's Day release. The Hollywood blockbuster, featuring Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson taking up the Captain America mantle, delves into political intrigue and action.
Despite a strong opening weekend, the film experienced a significant 68% drop in its second weekend, earning $28.2 million domestically and totaling $141 million. Worldwide, it has grossed over $289.4 million, nearing the $425 million break-even point. Critical reception has been mixed, with Rotten Tomatoes giving it a 49% approval rating and comments pointing to routine storytelling.
Meanwhile, Chinese animated film Ne Zha 2 has been breaking records, becoming the highest-grossing animated movie of all time with global earnings of 13.7 billion yuan ($1.9 billion). Its success highlights a shift in audience preferences towards fresh narratives and high-quality animation.
In China, Captain America: Brave New World has struggled against dominant domestic productions like Detective Chinatown 1900 and Ne Zha 2, reflecting the rising expectations of local audiences. Film researcher Zhang Peng from Nanjing Normal University suggests that Marvel’s challenges stem from storytelling and cultural alignment issues.
The contrasting performances of these two films underscore the evolving dynamics of the global film market, where diverse perspectives and compelling narratives are gaining traction.
Reference(s):
Is Marvel losing its grip? When 'Captain America 4' meets 'Ne Zha 2'
cgtn.com
