Disney and Marvel Studios’ “Black Panther” is making history at the U.S. box office, where, according to early Friday returns, it is looking to reach $200 million in its four-day debut over the long Presidents Day holiday weekend.
“Black Panther” earned $25.2 million at Thursday preview screenings, which is the best Thursday preview for February and the second biggest Thursday night preview gross for a Marvel Studios film. It nearly doubles the February opening night record held by “Deadpool.”
The story of “Black Panther” follows T’Challa as he is sworn in as king of Wakanda, a cloaked, technologically advanced nation in Africa that’s home to the alien metal vibranium, which gives Black Panther his powers.
For the four-day President’s Day holiday weekend, Disney is projecting a record-breaking opening in the range of $172 million to $198 million.
The film’s U.K. debut is the highest-grossing single-day opener at the U.K. box office in 2018.
