LOS ANGELES — Seven years after establishing itself as the second-highest-earning film in cinematic history, “Avengers: Endgame” returned to the top of the box office charts as Marvel generated renewed momentum ahead of its upcoming tentpole feature, “Avengers: Doomsday.”
Billed as “Endgame: Encore,” the theatrical re-release collected $26 million domestically over the weekend along with $60 million from international markets, based on studio projections released Sunday.
The 2019 blockbuster, which originally amassed $2.8 billion globally, was re-issued with fresh post-credits footage and a pre-recorded message of gratitude to audiences from stars Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Evans.
The performance places “Endgame” among the most successful theatrical re-issues in domestic history, trailing only the 1997 special edition of “Star Wars: A New Hope” ($35.9 million) and the 2011 3D re-release of “The Lion King” ($30.2 million).
While studios have relied on theatrical re-releases with increasing frequency to fill gaps in the movie calendar, the Walt Disney Co. feature secured the top spot during a competitive weekend filled with high-profile debuts. Three widely praised original films—A24’s “Primetime” starring Robert Pattinson, Paramount Pictures’ “Heart of the Beast” starring Brad Pitt, and Universal Pictures’ “Forgotten Island”—all entered wide release simultaneously.
Sony Pictures’ “Resident Evil” reboot from director Zach Cregger claimed second place, generating $23.3 million in its second frame following a strong opening. The video game adaptation has gathered $103.5 million across North American theaters in its first two weeks.
Rounding out the top positions, “Heart of the Beast” narrowly edged out “Primetime” for third place, pulling in an estimated $20 million across 3,435 domestic venues.
Helmed by David Ayer, the action-drama features Pitt as a military veteran attempting to survive the Alaskan wilderness alongside his service dog following an aviation accident.
The film contributed an additional $30.1 million from overseas territories.