Believe it or Not, James Gunn’s Blue Beetle Has Dethroned Margot Robbie’s Barbie at Box Office

After dominating the box office for four weeks, Greta Gerwig’s Barbie was dethroned by the underdog, James Gunn’s Blue Beetle. The latest DC movie opened to an estimated $25.4 million in North America, something which not a lot of fans expected.

Barbie managed to bring in $21.5 million for a total worldwide earning of roughly $1.2 billion. Director Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer managed to garner $10.6 million. So, DC’s Blue Beetle officially takes the crown on the opening day. Despite less publicity, the film performed fairly well at the global box office on day one. So far, the reviews have been positive from the fans, but can it perform better than other DC movies?

Also read: James Gunn Debunks Rumor About David Corenswet’s First DCU Movie After Henry Cavill’s Superman Reference in ‘Blue Beetle’

James Gunn’s Blue Beetle dethroned Barbie at the box office

DC’s latest movie, Blue Beetle, has officially earned more money than Greta Gerwig’s Barbie and Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer on its opening day. As of now, the film has officially earned more than $25 million in North America. While this is a big achievement, it is to be noted that it is one of the lowest openings among any title in the DC Extended Universe.

Due to the SAG-AFTRA strike, the stars of the movie couldn’t promote their films. Achieving this number without significant celebrity promotion is definitely not easy.

Also read: Xolo Maridueña’s Blue Beetle Joining James Gunn’s Justice League Despite Lackluster Box Office Projections? DCU CEO Confirms Actor’s Return in Future Phases

39% of the viewers were Latinos

Blue Beetle is officially Hollywood’s first live-action superhero film that features a Latino protagonist. The movie aims to give representation to Latinos in front as well as behind the camera. Directed by Ángel Manuel Soto, the movie features Xolo Maridueña, Adriana Barraza, Damían Alcázar, Raoul Max Trujillo, Susan Sarandon, George Lopez, Elpidia Carrillo, Bruna Marquezine, Belissa Escobedo, Harvey Guillén and Becky G. As per the exit polling service PostTrak, 39% of the ticket buyers were Latinos, usually, this number is 30%.

With roughly $43 million globally, the film is one of the slowest starts in the history of the DCU. The cost of creating the movie was just over $100 million and many millions more to promote, so the movie must perform well in order to be a financial success. As of now, the film has a “B+” CinemaScore and 77% on Rotten Tomatoes. DC’s last movie, The Flash, wasn’t a big hit either, so Gunn must do something as soon as possible to save the franchise.

Related: “Honestly it’s pretty comfortable”: DCU Learns from Marvel’s Mistake, Saves Xolo Maridueña from Jennifer Lawrence’s Nightmare in ‘Blue Beetle’

Source: The Hollywood Reporter