Less than two weeks before the global release of the upcoming monster superhero film based on DC Comics, “Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice,” box-office analysts are already predicting the blockbuster success of the hugely-anticipated film.
It will be the first time ever that the Dark Knight and the Man of Steel would meet on the big screen so it is expected to be a cinematic throw down that some experts describe as a movie that can smash the box office to smithereens, cites USA Today.
According to Paul Dergarabedian, senior box-office analyst for comScore, combining the two top-of-the-line gold standard DC superheroes in one movie is an irresistible concept alright but it also carries with it a lot of responsibilities.
Most box-office experts and analysts are expecting that the movie has the potential to gross US$1 Billion and easily join the elite Billion Dollar Club or movies that have recorded US$1 Billion box-office ticket sales or more.
The only question that they have is whether “Batman vs. Superman” has enough punch to break it into the list of highest grossing movies of all time, currently being paced by “Avatar 2” with US$2.7 Billion followed by “Titanic” with US$2.2 Billion. Both movies happened to be directed by critically-acclaimed writer, director, and producer James Cameron.
Tough to make it to the Billion Dollar Club
But there are also some pessimists who believe that “Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice” will have a tough time breaking the US$1 Billion box-office barrier.
They are basing their assumption on the debut performance at the box-office of the predecessor movie “Man of Steel,” which grossed ‘only’ US$116.6 million when it opened in theaters in 2012.
Erik Davis, the managing editor for Movies.com and Fandango.com, says that “Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice” may be a blockbuster monster on paper but it is unlikely to be the blockbuster success that Warner Bros and DC are hyping or hoping it to be.
He did say that the movie could actually beat the record of the first “The Hunger Games” film which posted a US$152.5 million opening box-office record.
Critics believe that any opening number below $150 million would be a disappointment and if “Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice” cannot get to that figure, then DC has to start over again.
Must-see experience
Warner Bros and DC Comics are pitching “Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice” as a must-see experience for most mainstream moviegoers because of the two iconic superheroes involved.
Critics believe that the general fans don’t care about the plotline. They think that fans just want to see Batman on screen again and they also want to see Superman too. The even better news is that the two superhero guys will be fighting each other in the film so that is even better than exciting.
There is also the presence of Wonder Woman, who along with the other DC superhero characters like The Flash, Cyborg, and Aquaman, will make it to the big screen for the first time ever.
Meanwhile, Henry Cavill, in a recent interview, said that Superman’s greatest weakness in the film remains psychological. He said the Man of Steel’s weakness is inside of him because he really loves humans and does not want to hurt anyone.
The fact that he does not want to scare anyone, he can also be taken advantage of for that kind of weakness. Cavill said that Superman is a complete amateur with humans and he is facing Batman, who is obviously very much well-versed in the arts of war.
Fan of DC Comics and DC animated series are one in saying that Superman can basically win every fight with Batman and the other DC superhero characters. But he will be pulling his punches for fear of seriously hurting Batman.
With the two popular DC superhero characters Batman and Superman at the focal point of the upcoming movie “Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice,” reports have it that the three of the four other superheroes in the movie will just be making cameo appearances.
The more I hear about this, the more incredible it seems. i think DC is striking the balance of mature and sophisticated content with the visceral thrills of superhero blockbusters.
IMO it elevates the material up on a pedestal that it deserves to be on.