Avengers: Endgame’ rerelease tops box office

A re-release of Avengers: Endgame topped the North American box office this weekend, taking an estimated $26 million as Disney builds anticipation for the next film in the franchise.
The 2019 superhero blockbuster, the second-highest-grossing film of all time with $2.8 billion in ticket sales, has earned $86 million globally from its return to cinemas, according to tracking firm Exhibitor Relations.
Audiences had another reason to revisit the film: four new post-credit scenes setting up Avengers: Doomsday, due on December 18. “As a marketing exercise, it’s an effective way to build early word-of-mouth,” said industry analyst David A. Gross.
Sony’s Resident Evil took second place with $23.3 million in North America, bringing its global total after two weeks to more than $196 million.
Heart of the Beast opened in third with $20 million. It stars Brad Pitt as a former soldier trying to survive in the Alaskan wilderness with his traumatised combat dog.
A24’s Primetime debuted next with $19.2 million. Robert Pattinson plays Chris Hansen, host of the real-life US programme To Catch a Predator, which used sting operations to confront suspected sexual predators.
Animated family film Forgotten Island opened to $12.8 million despite positive reviews. Gross called it a weak debut for a major studio’s original animation but said overseas earnings could help offset losses.
Practical Magic 2, Spider-Man: Brand New Day, The Odyssey, Coyote vs. Acme and Daniel and the Fiery Furnace completed the top 10. — AFP