Endgame Encore leads crowded weekend after $3.8m previews
Avengers: Endgame Encore took $3.8 million in Thursday previews in the United States and Canada, Disney said, putting Marvel ahead in a four-film weekend.
The re-release opens on 25 September in 3,060 North American theatres, Disney said, The Hollywood Reporter reported. Disney projects about $25 million domestically, meaning the United States and Canada, for the weekend. It projects a further $25 million to $30 million from overseas markets.
The draw is new footage. Encore includes an exclusive look at Avengers: Doomsday, Disney said. Doomsday is due in cinemas on 18 December. Both films are directed by Anthony and Joe Russo.
The original Avengers: Endgame was released in 2019, Variety reported. It earned $2.799 billion worldwide, which makes it the second-biggest film in box office history. Marvel Studios announced in August that the film would return to theatres from 25 September, Marvel said.
A24's Primetime is next in the preview table. It earned $2.7 million on Thursday, A24 said. The film is playing in more than 2,800 North American theatres. It is tracking to open with $12 million to $16 million domestically. Robert Pattinson plays journalist Chris Hanson.
Paramount's Heart of the Beast earned $2 million on Thursday, Paramount said. It is the widest new release among the challengers, with 3,400 North American theatres. Paramount expects $17 million to $20 million domestically for the weekend. The film carries an $82 million budget. Brad Pitt stars as a Special Forces officer stranded with his combat dog.
Universal's Forgotten Island took $1.48 million, Universal said. That total combines Thursday previews with paid advance screenings on Sunday and Monday. The animated film is in 3,548 North American locations. It carries an $80 million budget. H.E.R., Liza Soberano and Dave Franco lead the voice cast.
What makes this stand out is the timing. The summer 2026 box office totalled $4.67 billion in the United States and Canada, Variety reported, the highest summer total on record. For fans, this weekend offers a test of that momentum, with a Marvel reissue against two star-led live-action titles and a family animation.
