‘Thor: The Dark World’ Predicted To Hit $300 Million Worldwide This Weekend

Marvel has yet another hit on their hands with Alan Taylor’s Thor: The Dark World.

The follow-up to the 2011 superhero epic earned an impressive $7.1 million from early and midnight screenings on Thursday. Analysts believe the flick could make between $80 million and $90 million by the time the weekend wraps up. In short, Marvel and Disney stand to make a significant amount of cash from the flick.

According to the International Business Times, Thor: The Dark World could hit the $300 million mark worldwide over the next three days. The movie already has over $150 million under its belt from foreign markets, a number that’s expected to grow considerably as it rolls into more territories.

The website also points out that Thor 2 is presently on-track to destroy the box office total amassed by its predecessor. The first installment of the series made around $449 million during its theatrical run around the world. Considering the sequel is rapidly approaching $300 million, chances are Alan Taylor’s adventure will catch up with the original in no time.

Although the flick opens in several markets around the world this weekend, the movie has yet to debut in Japan, Italy, and Argentina. Once the follow-up hits theaters in these countries, Marvel and Disney can add even more zeroes to Thor’s already impressive global total.

The Hollywood Reporter explains that Thor: The Dark World has serious crossover appeal. Not only is the film tracking very well with Hispanics, Natalie Portman and Chris Hemsworth seem to appeal to younger female moviegoers. When you add in comic book aficionados and fanboys, the film’s box office potential is much greater than some of its counterparts.

Unfamiliar with the storyline? Check out Marvel’s official synopsis:

“In the aftermath of Marvel’s ‘Thor’ and ‘Marvel’s The Avengers,’ Thor fights to restore order across the cosmos… but an ancient race led by the vengeful Malekith returns to plunge the universe back into darkness. Faced with an enemy that even Odin and Asgard cannot withstand, Thor must embark on his most perilous and personal journey yet, one that will reunite him with Jane Foster and force him to sacrifice everything to save us all.”

If superhero movies aren’t your thing, then you should seriously consider checking out Steve McQueen’s 12 Years a Slave and Richard Curtis’ romantic outing About Time. Both films open in more theaters across the country this weekend.

Are you planning to check out director Alan Taylor’s Thor: The Dark World this weekend? Do you think the movie will cross the $300 million mark by Sunday?

[Image via Marvel Studios / Walt Disney Pictures]