Thor's $66 million U.S. debut: Is it good or bad?

Thor's $66 million U.S. debut: Is it good or bad?

Marvel's Thor movie made an estimated $66 million domestic on its first weekend, but that's well below the opening for each of the three Spider-Man films, both Iron Man movies, X2, X-Men: The Last Stand and even X-Men Origins: Wolverine. So did it do well or not?

Editorial Opinion
By Fireblade - May 09, 2011 02:05 PM EST
Filed Under: Thor
Source: Variety



I thought Thor was Marvel Studios' best film to date so I have to admit I was disappointed with the $66 million for several reasons…

Thor has been doing great overseas ($176 million so far, and positive reviews of 79% on Rotten Tomatoes which were even higher before) so that should have encouraged US audiences to check it out, it had Oscar winners Anthony Hopkins and Natalie Portman in it, and Kenneth Branagh is well-respected and has been nominated for four Oscars even if his last directing role was Sleuth back in 2007 (which had mixed reviews).

Chris Hemsworth may not be a megastar (yet) but with all those other factors, this should have done much better. Especially with the 3D bringing in more cash because of higher ticket prices. But even Fast Five beat Thor when both came out on the same weekend in Australia.

Maybe Robert Downey Jr really is the reason that the Iron Man movies do so well.

On the plus side, Variety is reporting that Thor was Marvel's third highest franchise launch behind the first Spider-Man and Iron Man films, and the opening figure beat both Hulk movies, both Fantastic Four films, the first X-Men, Ghost Rider, Daredevil and all the Blade releases, if that's any consolation. (Not really!)

I still don't think it did that well, I think I was expecting $90-$100 million, especially with the positive reviews and overseas buzz. Do you think we'll now get any more Thor movies (Hemsworth said he signed for three Thor films and three Avengers films)? Do you think the Thor total is a success or not? Is Marvel going to be delighted or disappointed?
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marvel72
marvel72 - 5/9/2011, 2:36 PM
it should of done better,but i think word of mouth will help it.

i think its a very good film,if takes $400 million + world wide.

marvel & disney will be happy.
PaulRom
PaulRom - 5/9/2011, 3:01 PM
It already made its budget back within two weeks. That's a major sign of success.
And I agree it could've had a bigger opening, but hey...I'm sure most people haven't heard of the character til the movie came out.
daredevilfan
daredevilfan - 5/9/2011, 3:05 PM
are you guys scared that cap will do worse since harry opens a week before
marvel72
marvel72 - 5/9/2011, 3:21 PM
i hope thor & captain america make shit loads of money,then we've got more chance of seeing sequels.

@ daredevilfan

not really,if i wanted to see harry potter & captain america.

i would watch one,one week & the other the next.

Fireblade
Fireblade - 5/9/2011, 3:27 PM
Been seeing adverts for Thor on TV for the first time tonight, so they're trying to push it before other big films start arriving (Pirates of the Caribbean is next i think)
Bodwulf
Bodwulf - 5/9/2011, 3:45 PM
Thor is the 3rd biggest opening for a Marvel movie not being a sequel. Fast Five is a sequel. Thor should be compared to first efforts. And for a character not known by the non-comic movie-goer it did great!
Spider-man 114 mil (everyone knows spidey)
Iron man 98 mil (Beyond successful opening)
Thor 65 mil (opened #1 ,unknown until now!)
Hulk 62 mil (same as Spidey and Thor beat him!)
FF 56 mil
X-men 54 mil
Ghost R. 45 mil
DD 40 mil
Blade 17 mil
The First Fast and Furious did 40 mil.
Bodwulf
Bodwulf - 5/9/2011, 3:48 PM
@ daredevilfan I am worried Cap vs Harry Potter overseas gets creamed. :(
Thor has done 176 million (and climbing) and has come in second to fast 5 alot. We will see ........

Fireblade
Fireblade - 5/9/2011, 4:13 PM
I just get the feeling America didn't like this as much as overseas for some reason. Let's hope it keeps doing okay, spread the word!
cgrass5150
cgrass5150 - 5/9/2011, 4:54 PM
No bull..."Thor" is an excellent superhero movie on par with Iron Man 1, X-Men 1 & 2, and TDK (Thought it was better than Spidey 1 & 2). Anyone who is a fan of this genre is missing out on a rollicking good time if they don't see it in theatres (especially in 3D).
Bodwulf
Bodwulf - 5/9/2011, 5:23 PM
Thor‘s result may have paled compared with the $114.8 million that the original Spider-Man amassed on the same weekend nine years ago, but so do the openings of almost every other movie ever made.
OdinsEye
OdinsEye - 5/9/2011, 5:23 PM
Thor is the best movie that Marvel has made. My only complaint with Thor is that it was too short. That being said, considering the positive reviews, I thought that it would have done better. But there is one thing that I did not see mentioned. Yesterday was Mother's Day. That had to have some impact on the box office.
PrinceOfPower87
PrinceOfPower87 - 5/9/2011, 6:12 PM
If you get into the story, you can appreciate this movie for what it really is: a pretty good movie for his genre (fantasy/drama). Nothing more, nothing less.

You've got to feel the importance of the family if you want to relate with the people in ''Thor'' who are more humans than a lot humans in real life in some ways with the relation they share as a family.

However, what I think truly hurts ''Thor'' is the lack of action in the secon half of the movie (especially in the final act) in a SIMPLE STORY! I seriously think that this kind of story does not create enough excitement unlike X-Men, X2 and TDK and I feel that's what the general audience in North America want to feel when they see a superhero movie.

If ''Thor'' gets a sequel, I want to see Marvel pen a story that creates that excitement! The movie is pretty good but I really think It could have been great should have they created that excitement.
marvel72
marvel72 - 5/9/2011, 7:06 PM
don't matter when harry potter is released,its going to beat every film released in 2011.
LP4
LP4 - 5/9/2011, 7:10 PM
The fight between Thor and Loki at the end was a tad bit disappointing. Overall the movie was good.

- I'm a Superman-fan. Any bit of action in a film is a GOD-SEND for me lmao ;D
LMFA0
LMFA0 - 5/9/2011, 8:21 PM
I haven't seen it yet but it's amazing how fast the buzz for this movie has gone away... Then again I live in Dallas and all people around here are talking about is the Mavs. I think I'm finally going to get to see Thor tomorrow!
LP4
LP4 - 5/9/2011, 8:57 PM
@SuspenseSmith- Very true my friend. Hopefully they can fix this trend of problems.

One thing that made me happy was when a news article was released on here stating that WB was fixing some 3rd-Act problems with the Superman reboot.

That is pretty awesome.
ironpool007
ironpool007 - 5/9/2011, 8:57 PM
Don't you all worry. It made enough here and all around the rest of the world combined to get a sequel. Plus any cash The Avengers makes will encourage sequels to both it and for it's characters.
gmoney0505
gmoney0505 - 5/9/2011, 9:46 PM
Because thor is an alright movie. This is not Marvel's best movie. That title still holds to Iron Man 1. Iron Man 1 is way better than Thor. This movie will make enough for a sequel.
Curmudgeon
Curmudgeon - 5/10/2011, 12:18 AM
# 1 at the US Box office last weekend (As well as in 29 international territories)

2nd biggest US film opening of the year (out of 197)

3rd biggest launch for a Marvel franchise (out of 10)

9th biggest US opening of any Marvel movie (out of 23)

12th biggest film at the US box office for all of 2011 (and will probably jump to 10th within another day or two.)
FutureCBMHero
FutureCBMHero - 5/10/2011, 3:01 AM
I bet it gets good word of mouth viewers and the decline is slow. It'll gross a fair amount for a character that the general public isn't aware of. Thor 2 will gross more.
Coldblood6
Coldblood6 - 5/10/2011, 3:47 AM
Have people been watching the box-office over the past 2 years?!?

This film's opening is only a disappointment when compared to Iron Man's opening which was exceptional and unprecedented.

Over all of 2009, 2010, and so far in 2011 only 2 non-sequels have had bigger openings:
Avatar - 77 million
Up - 68 million

In 2010 only 5 movies, all sequels to already established successful franchises or beloved classic tales, had bigger openings than THOR! THOR has nad the biggest opening for a non-sequel in the last year and a half!!!

In the current American financial box-office climate this was a GREAT opening!

The American movie-going public is not rushing out to see new franchises; they are adopting a wait and see attitude. Then if what they hear from friends, family, co-workers, etc., is good then they go see it.

The question now is whether or not it was liked enough by the GA that saw it to generate positive WOM and have good legs to cross the 200 million or even great legs to cross the 250 million.

I cannot speak for the American audience but THOR has been doing very, very, well in my country and the GA has loved it. Of all the non-comicbook people I know who saw it over 80% of them gave it 8/10 or higher. However the American audience is different from the world.

This weekend coming will tell us how well THOR was recieved by the American GA, and whether it has good WOM amongst them and good/great legs.

Every American Marvel fan (unless he or she disliked THOR) should go this weekend to see it again and if you can take someone who has not seen it.
Coldblood6
Coldblood6 - 5/10/2011, 4:02 AM
One thing that I think has hurt its BO is the 3D. I think it would have had a bigger opening if there was no 3D. If it were not for that the BO would have probably been about 72 million.

Marvel and Paramount misfired there.

Asking the Amercan GA to put out extra cash for 3D in a new franchise was unbelievably stupid! Most of the public is no longer fooled by 3D. It's a stupid gimmick that adds nothing to the viewing and in fact can make it worse. So in effect you pay more for a product of less quality.

What Marvel/Paramount has to do this week is try and get theatres to give more 2D viewing options. That way people who have been inclined to see it based on good WOM will not get turned off by the 3D prices.
BigThor
BigThor - 5/10/2011, 4:52 AM
@SotoJuiceMan - Actually Loki was the one being thrown around like a rag doll, Thor was only sent flying after getting hit by energy blast.

While Thor collided mid-air with Loki and overpowered him, threw him across the room, then he sent him flying through a wall.
Facade
Facade - 5/10/2011, 4:54 AM
Frankly, I was disappointed with it. I did'nt feel anything for any of the characters. Thor was arrogant and his earthly redemption was pitifully slightly less arrogant. Sure, that's his character, but how was that redemptive? No one questioned his boldness or foolhardiness in battle stratigy, right? So his "sacrifice" was cheap. But hey, he's not Thor without the hammer, right? Meh, who am I kidding, he was just as arogant. I was passably entertained, but it was far from "EPIC!" The long distance shots in Asingard looked like an ant farm - is that the best fx available?! And I think the frost giants looked like bad 80's masks. Rainbow bridge was silly, too. Sorry, but I give it a C-.
thunderforce
thunderforce - 5/10/2011, 9:46 AM
I think mothers day on sunday made Thor stall out it did alot better friday and saturday , they should have not started it on mothers day weekend . It was an awesome movie with minor complaints too short and as with most of marvels movies the fight scenes are too short , and not enough thunder and lightening around Thor .
CraptainAmerica
CraptainAmerica - 5/10/2011, 11:08 AM
1. 3D didn't hurt it. People have the choice to see either of the formats
2. The point of the final battle wasn't to kill one another as in other Marvel outings. It was the culminating scene after all the previous events that was Thor's journey and Loki's plans.
3. Terminator Salvation had a longer final battle...but it (IMO) [frick]in sucked as a movie!

Where's the buzz for this movie gone?! It was a great Marvel movie compared to some of the Superhero related shite put out in the last 10 years! This was 10x Punisher. 20x Elektra! no wonder actors get hacked off with fanboys sometimes. Never [frick]in happy. Turncoats at the drop of the hat.

@coldblood. The most intelligent thing anybody has said on this thread!
GreenLanternsLight33
GreenLanternsLight33 - 5/10/2011, 6:28 PM
I can't believe that some of you guys are bashing this film. Hands down it IS THE BEST MARVEL movie released so far. Granted Iron Man is a close second. I love how most people on here are complaining about the end fight scene. You call yourselves comic book fans?

The story is what makes the comic and in this case the movie, not the fight scenes. The fight scenes add to the overall story not the other way around. That is the problem with this generation of fans. If there isn't enough butt being kicked then the movie automatically sucks
BetaRay28
BetaRay28 - 5/10/2011, 8:27 PM
It's just ok I kind of thought that might happen since Thor is like Iron Man he's not a popular character like Superman,Batman or Spiderman.The only hope that marvel has is for fans to see it more then once.
Coldblood6
Coldblood6 - 5/11/2011, 3:36 AM
@ CraptainAmerica

Thanx dude.

THORION76
THORION76 - 5/12/2011, 8:23 AM
I REALLY THOUGHT WITH ALL THE HYPE AND PROMOTION IT WOULD HAVE DONE BETTER, BUT I THINK THIS PROVES THAT THOR IS NOT WELL KNOWN TO THE NON CB FANS OUT THERE. PEOPLE SHOULD BE GOING TO SEE IT JUST OFF OF THE TRAILERS ALONE BUT WHAT DO I KNOW.I THINK GREEN LANTERN WILL DO WELL IN THE BOX OFFICE BECAUSE IT WILL ATRACT ALOT MORE OF THE KIDOS. HTOR IS A BADASS MOVIE AND THINK EVERYBODY SHOULD GO SEE IT IN THE THEATERS.
THORION76
THORION76 - 5/12/2011, 8:23 AM
I REALLY THOUGHT WITH ALL THE HYPE AND PROMOTION IT WOULD HAVE DONE BETTER, BUT I THINK THIS PROVES THAT THOR IS NOT WELL KNOWN TO THE NON CB FANS OUT THERE. PEOPLE SHOULD BE GOING TO SEE IT JUST OFF OF THE TRAILERS ALONE BUT WHAT DO I KNOW.I THINK GREEN LANTERN WILL DO WELL IN THE BOX OFFICE BECAUSE IT WILL ATRACT ALOT MORE OF THE KIDOS. HTOR IS A BADASS MOVIE AND THINK EVERYBODY SHOULD GO SEE IT IN THE THEATERS.
skullboy
skullboy - 5/12/2011, 5:04 PM
I wish they did a different approach with Thor coming to earth rather than making him mortal most of the movie. I give it only two stars.
MaximusRodd
MaximusRodd - 5/14/2011, 11:48 AM
Thor is 4/5 stars! Definitely.

I think in America people just aren't going to the movies as much. Thor was still #1. Gas prices are SO high right now I think people are staying home.

Fast Five did better because it has a lock on all the minority markets. Thor does not. F5 has a lock on the Hip Hop market, and theirs is a tendency to spend a lot of money on entertainment no matter what.

But it is still a hit. It will surpass $100,000,000 this weekend in the U.S. and $300 million worldwide in only it's second weekend.
MaximusRodd
MaximusRodd - 5/14/2011, 11:57 AM
Also, these attitudes only highlight our culture's ridiculously unhealthy fixation on instant gratification.

Now a movie's entire success is judged by it's first weekend. And, even when the movie does well and is #1 it's not a hit unless it breaks records.

That is a very warped view of the world that has only developed in regard to movies in the past 10 years.

I wouldn't be surprised if Thor exceeds market predictions for its second weekend due to word of mouth alone. Because, I have to say to say, those who really liked this film are way in the majority.
BigThor
BigThor - 5/17/2011, 3:37 AM
@SoToJuiceMan - Um Loki only blasted Thor with this staff once after Thor showed up to the observatory then hit him with the spear. That was only two attacks at the BEGINNING of the fight so I wouldn't call that "throwing Thor around for the whole fight".

Besides Thor wasn't fighting back because they're BROTHERS, what do you expect?
BigThor
BigThor - 5/17/2011, 3:53 AM
I wouldn't call attacking someone who's not fighting back "kicking their ass", besides it was only 2 or 3 attacks that didn't do any damage at all.
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