ZAMM.COM

CAPTAIN AMERICA soared to the boxoffice heights, giving exhibitors a $100M holiday weekend.

Its turbo charged succe$$ showed once again that audiences love going to cinemas when something’s playing they want to see — and that they think is worth the price. That’s quite the opposite from Wall Street’s scenario where moviegoers want to stay home to stream entertainment content because it’s cheaper and easier to do so.

Disney/Marvel’s CAPTAIN AMERICA: BRAVE NEW WORLD is directed by Julius Onah (LUCE) and runs a quick 118 minutes, meaning there are no lost shows daily as with long films. Starring are Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson/Captain America & Harrison Ford as President Thaddeus Ross/Red Hulk.

Hollywood handicappers had been projecting $95M for the four day Presidents Day/Valentine’s Day holiday, but by mid-weekend the buzz had built to $100M.

Also adding to the holiday weekend’s oomph was Sony/Studio Canal’s PADDINGTON IN PERU with $16M. Directed by Dougal Wilson (first theatrical feature), its voice stars include Ben Whishaw as Paddington & Imelda Staunton as Aunt Lucy.

Domestic ticket sales this weekend totaled a robust $153.3M, according to  Comscore Senior Media Analyst Paul Dergarabedian. That was up 174.5% from the prior weekend and up 89% vs. this time last year. Comscore’s year to date tally has 2025 at $867.9M, up 22% from $708.5M in 2024. The prior weekend was up 12% vs. last year.

Meanwhile, back at the multiplexes: Disney/Marvel’s PG-13 sci-fi action adventure CAPTAIN AMERICA: BRAVE BEW WORLD topped the chart with $88.5M at 4,105 theatres ($21,559), per Comscore. Four days estimate: $100M. It’s also done $92.4M internationally for a worldwide cume of $192.4M. Budget buzz: $180M to produce.

BRAVE’s a sizzling first choice with over-25 men (32 points over norm) and a powerhouse next-best with under-25 men (27 points over norm). Rotten Tomatoes critics hate it at 50%, but audiences are happier at 80%.

Sony/StudioCanal’s PG comedy adventure PADDINGTON IN PERU kicked off #2 to $13M at 3,890 theatres ($3,342), per Comscore. Four days estimate: $16M. Budget buzz: $90M from StudioCanal to produce.

PADDINGTON’s tracking best for first choice with under-25 women (two points above norm). Rotten Tomatoes critics are cheering the marmalade fan bear at 94%.

Screen Gems/Spyglass Media’s R rated horror thriller HEART EYES was third in weekend two with $10M (+20.4%) at 3,102 theatres ($3,224). Four days estimate: $11.1M. It’s done $22.5M through Sunday. Budget buzz: $18M to produce

Next weekend (2/21): No major studios are opening wide releases to compete with CAPTAIN AMERICA in its second weekend.

Lionsgate’s PG drama THE UNBREAKABLE BOY will open at about 1,300 theatres. It’s tracking for first choice below norm for all demos.