Marvel Studios’ “Captain America: Brave New World” continues its impressive box office run, edging closer to a significant global milestone. The film is on track to surpass the worldwide earnings of Dwayne Johnson’s DC movie “Black Adam,” which, despite its star-studded cast, underperformed at the box office.
“Black Adam”: A Brief Overview
Released in 2022, “Black Adam” featured Dwayne Johnson in the titular role, marking his entry into the DC Extended Universe (DCEU). The film also starred Aldis Hodge, Noah Centineo, Sarah Shahi, Quintessa Swindell, Marwan Kenzari, and Pierce Brosnan. Despite the high-profile cast, “Black Adam” faced several challenges:
- Production Delays: The film’s release was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, disrupting its promotional momentum.
- Critical Reception: It received mixed reviews, with critics pointing out its convoluted plot and uneven pacing.
- Box Office Performance: With a hefty production budget estimated between $190 million and $260 million, “Black Adam” struggled to break even. It garnered approximately $168.15 million domestically and $393.45 million worldwide.
“Captain America: Brave New World”: Soaring High
Debuting on February 14, 2025, “Captain America: Brave New World” has been well-received by both critics and audiences. The film showcases Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) embracing the mantle of Captain America, navigating global challenges, and confronting new adversaries.
Box Office Trajectory
As of March 17, 2025, the film’s earnings are as follows:
- Domestic Earnings: $185.4 million
- International Earnings: $203.5 million
- Worldwide Total: $389.69 million
This positions “Captain America: Brave New World” just $3.76 million shy of surpassing “Black Adam’s” global box office total. Given its current momentum, it’s anticipated to achieve this feat in the upcoming weekend.
Comparative Analysis
The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and the DCEU have long been competitors in the superhero genre. The consistent box office success of MCU films often contrasts with the varied performances of DCEU entries. “Captain America: Brave New World” surpassing “Black Adam” underscores this trend, highlighting the MCU’s robust audience engagement and brand strength.
Future Prospects
While “Captain America: Brave New World” is poised to cross the $400 million mark globally, it faces upcoming competition. The release of “Snow White” is expected to impact its box office standings, potentially shifting its position in domestic charts. Nevertheless, the film’s current achievements solidify its status as a successful installment in the MCU.
Conclusion
“Captain America: Brave New World” exemplifies Marvel Studios’ ability to produce compelling narratives that resonate with audiences worldwide. Its impending surpassing of “Black Adam’s” box office total not only signifies its individual success but also reflects the broader dynamics between the MCU and DCEU.
