LOS ANGELES — What superhero fatigue? Disney and Marvel’s “Captain America: Civil War,” the 13th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, has strong-armed its way to becoming the fifth-highest domestic opening ever according to comScore estimates Sunday.

The film grossed a massive $181.8 million this weekend, bumping “Iron Man 3” out of the top five all-time debuts. “Civil War” now ranks right below “Marvel’s The Avengers” and “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” which are third and fourth.

Directed by Joe and Anthony Russo, “Civil War” sees an ideological showdown between Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.) and Captain America (Chris Evans) and is packed to the brim with Avengers old and new. It’s been very well-received by critics and, now, audiences, who gave the film a promising “A” CinemaScore, which should bode well for the film’s longevity.

The opening was right in line with expectations, and according to comScore senior media analyst Paul Dergarabedian, is well on its way to becoming a $1 billion movie.

“Civil War” cost a hefty $250 million to produce but has already far-surpassed that thanks to a healthy international debut last weekend and a big bump from China this weekend. The superhero showdown has earned $678.4 million globally to date.

– From news service reports


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