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Marvel’s “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” debuted to $8.8 million in Thursday night previews. The impressive number is the second highest preview result of Covid times, just behind the $13.2 million that “Black Widow” pulled in two months ago. It also tops the opening night numbers of recent hits such as “F9” and “A Quiet Place Part II”. “Shang-Chi” was expected to open to between $45 million to $50 million at the domestic box office, but that number could climb higher given the sterling preview results.
The movie marks a milestone for Asian representation in superhero films, but it also faces significant box office challenges. The spread of the delta variant has made moviegoers skittish about returning to cinemas, depressing ticket sales for blockbuster fare.
But “Shang-Chi” could benefit from its big screen exclusivity. Unlike “Black Widow,” the previous Marvel film, “Shang-Chi” will only be available in cinemas for 45 days.
Box Office: Marvel’s ‘Shang-Chi’ Opens to $8.8 Million in Thursday Previews