Captain America: Brave New World Box Office: Can It Soar Past MCU Flops?

As of February 24, 2025, Captain America: Brave New World has stormed the box office, raking in $289,405,738 worldwide, according to Box Office Mojo. With a domestic haul of $141,205,738 (48.8%) and an international take of $148,200,000 (51.2%), the Anthony Mackie-led superhero flick has made a bold entrance into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

But amid mixed reviews and a steep second-weekend drop, fans and analysts alike are buzzing: Is this a triumphant return for Captain America, or a sign of MCU fatigue? Let’s dive into the numbers, comparisons, and what they mean for the film’s theatrical run.

How Did Captain America: Brave New World Perform on Opening Weekend?

The film kicked off with a heroic $100 million domestic debut over the Presidents Day holiday weekend, bolstered by $12 million in Thursday previews. Globally, it notched $192.4 million, making it the third-highest opening for a Captain America film.

Industry projections had pegged its three-day domestic opening between $86 million and $105 million, and the four-day haul hit the upper end, surpassing initial expectations. With a $180 million budget, this start was a promising signal—yet the real test lay ahead.

What Happened to Captain America: Brave New World in Its Second Weekend?

After a strong launch, the film faced a reality check. In its second weekend, Captain America: Brave New World plummeted 68%, earning $28.3 million domestically. This brought its domestic total to $141,205,738, while international markets added $35.3 million, pushing the overseas cume to $148,200,000 and the worldwide total to $289,405,738.

The drop mirrors MCU underperformers like Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (70% drop) more than enduring hits like Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (47% drop). Negative reviews and a record-low B- CinemaScore—the worst in MCU history—suggest word-of-mouth is dragging it down.

How Does Captain America: Brave New World Compare to Other MCU Films?

At $289.4 million worldwide, the film has already outgrossed The Marvels ($199.7 million) and The Incredible Hulk ($265.6 million), two of the MCU’s lowest earners. However, it lags behind Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania ($301 million after two weekends) and is far from the $500 million mark that signals a theatrical win for Marvel tentpoles.

Compared to earlier Captain America outings, it’s pacing below The Winter Soldier and Civil War internationally, with projections suggesting a global finish around $450 million—solid, but not stellar.

Why Is Captain America: Brave New World’s Box Office Performance Mixed?

Several factors are at play. The film’s $180 million budget is modest for a Phase Five MCU entry, giving it a lower break-even threshold than flops like The Marvels ($270 million budget). Yet, its middling reviews (despite a 93% Rotten Tomatoes start) and poor audience reception hint at deeper issues.

The overseas slight edge (51.2% of the total) shows international fans are keeping it afloat, with top markets like the UK ($16.7 million), China ($13.5 million), and Mexico ($10.7 million) driving gains. Still, a 60% international drop in weekend two signals fading momentum.

Will Captain America: Brave New World Reach $500 Million Worldwide?

The road to $500 million looks rocky. With $289.4 million in the bank, it needs another $210.6 million. Historical trends for MCU films with similar drops suggest it might stall around $450 million, as analysts predict. Unlike Guardians 3, which leveraged strong buzz to hit $845 million, Brave New World lacks the staying power to climb higher.

However, it’s already cleared its budget and marketing costs, likely avoiding the “flop” label—but don’t expect it to join the billion-dollar club.

Conclusion: Is Captain America: Brave New World a Hit or a Miss?

Captain America: Brave New World has carved out a respectable $289,405,738 worldwide, blending a solid opening with a shaky follow-through. While it’s no Civil War, it’s also no The Marvels, striking a middle ground in the MCU’s evolving landscape. For Anthony Mackie’s Cap, the shield is still aloft, but its flight path suggests Marvel might need to tweak the formula to keep audiences hooked.

As the box office saga unfolds, one thing’s clear: Sam Wilson’s journey is far from over—both onscreen and at the ticket counter.

So, what are your expectations from Captain America: Brave New World in terms of performance at the ticket counters? Whatever you guys think, jump down in the comments section below and let us know your thoughts!

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