Sam Wilson has officially taken flight as the new Captain America, and audiences worldwide are along for the ride. Captain America: Brave New World soared to a global opening of US$192.4 million, with US$92.4 million coming from international markets. Despite fierce competition from China’s Ne Zha 2, Anthony Mackie’s first outing as the star-spangled hero claimed the top spot in nearly every major market, marking a strong debut.
In China, Captain America: Brave New World opened with US$10.5 million, securing the second spot behind the blockbuster Ne Zha 2, which continues to dominate local screens. The UK saw a different battle unfold, where Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy swept audiences off their feet with US$14.9 million, leaving Captain America: Brave New World to settle for second place with US$8.5 million. However, Sam Wilson’s shield still struck gold in Mexico (US$6.6 million), Korea (US$5.6 million), and France (US$4.7 million), with international numbers tracking 4% ahead of Captain America: The Winter Soldier in comparable markets.
Meanwhile, Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy charmed its way to a US$35.5 million international opening, including a record-breaking US$14.9 million from the UK alone. The romantic comedy set new milestones for the franchise, securing the biggest rom-com opening ever in several markets, including the UK, Poland (US$2.2 million), and the Netherlands (US$1.9 million). The film also opened strongly in Australia, landing in second place with US$3.4 million, just behind Captain America: Brave New World.
China remained a battleground, with Ne Zha 2 extending its reign, adding US$1.63 billion in total local earnings and climbing to No. 11 on the all-time global box office charts. The animated sequel also impressed with a US$7.2 million debut in North America and became the highest-grossing IMAX release in China, surpassing Avengers: Endgame with US$104 million from the premium format.
Captain America: Brave New World proves Sam Wilson can carry both the shield and the box office, while Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy reminds audiences that romance still packs a punch internationally. With more markets and premium releases ahead, both films are poised to keep their momentum as the spring box office heats up.
Natalie is a big fan of anything related to movies, TV shows, and anime — you name it. When she’s not reading or being a dedicated cinephile, she’s probably playing gacha and tabletop games, or daydreaming of Sylus from Love and Deepspace.
Yong Le
Si Jia
