There was no stopping GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY from achieving its ultimate destiny of being a smash success for Marvel. The Blockbuster demolishes the competition with a stunning $94 million in its debut from 4,080 theatres. Audiences and Critics alike have raves for the Action-Fantasy Comic Adaptations starring Chris Pratt, garnering an A CinemaScore and 92% on the Tomatometer. This opening makes it the third highest ever for a Superhero Franchise behind Spider-Man and Iron-Man.
Lucy in its second week still is going strong for Universal Pictures. After debuting on-top last weekend, it slips to second spot with $15 million, nearing the $80-million mark domestically.
Opening in third is James Brown Biopic, Get on Up for Universal Pictures also. The Musical-Drama opens with $14.7 million from 2,468 theatres. Reviews for the Film are strong with 72% on the Tomatometer and also an A CinemaScore from Audiences. Keep a tab on star Chadwick Boseman who starred in last year’s Jackie Robinson Biopic 42.
Hercules slips to fourth spot with $10.6 million in its second week out for Paramount Pictures, just surpassing the $50-million mark.
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, a former Champ, finds itself in fifth spot this weekend with $8.4 million in its fourth week out.
A Most Wanted Man is comfortably in its bubbling-under status for eOne Films and RSA Films with $3.1 million grossed. In two weeks, it has made $6.5 million across North America from 729 theatres.
Rounding things out is And So It Goes with $3 million earned this weekend in its second week for VVS Films/Clarius.
Toronto got a huge surprise last night as six-time World Champion Wrestler Dave Batista came to do a day of Press in support of his latest, the eagerly-awaited GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY from Marvel! The WWE Star has directed his sights to a promising career as an Actor and in the Blockbuster he plays the role of Drax the Destroyer. In addition to being known for his brute strength and resilience, the Character has the ability to blast energy from his hands.
Batista was up and at it early leaving his Hotel in the Entertainment District with his Entourage – not without some Starbucks first – before spending much of his day at the Bell Media Building, taping interviews and also doing a live appearance on CP24 Breakfast. On the Show, he revealed that he had a team of five people whom spent four-and-a-half hours applying makeup each day. “I think this is the best Film Marvel‘s ever done”, he proclaims. Visit CP24 Breakfast’s Site under the “VIDEOS” section for the complete interview here.
Making an appearance at an Advance Screening last night held at Scotiabank Theatre, Batista fielded questions on the Red Carpet before heading on in to introduce the Blockbuster, even posing for a group photo with Fans.
See the Snap below:
Special thanks to our Contributor Jon Godfrey for sending over his Snaps of Batista at the Screening last night! Review coming soon!
Watch the Trailer:
And remember that time we met Chris Pratt? He’s absolutely the nicest. We’re thrilled to see his ascension in Hollywood from the Guy-Next-Door to a bona fide Superstar!
Marvel Canada release GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY opens in theatres tomorrow, August 1, 2014.
Expect huge numbers.
(Photo/video credit: Jon Godfrey/Marvel Canada)
Chris Pratt certainly is a Star on the rise basking in the success of The Lego Movie and with his all-American good looks and comedic relatability, there isn’t a reason why he can’t be the Nation’s next Megastar. He stars in the new Action-Fantasy-Comedy as a Jet Pilot who gets stranded in space, and must unite a diverse team of aliens to form a squad capable of defeating cosmic threats. Jimmy Kimmel got the exclusive tonight premiering the Trailer for Guardians of the Galaxy. And for only 24 hours on his YouTube Channel, you can watch it first!
Guardians of the Galaxy also stars Bradley Cooper, Zoe Saldana, Benicio del Toro, Glenn Close, Chris Pine, Djimon Honsou, Vin Diesel and Lee Pace.
See the Trailer below:
Walt Disney Motion Pictures Canada release Guardians of the Galaxy on August 1, 2014.
(Photo/video credit: Walt Disney Motion Pictures Canada)
Marvel certainly was well-represented at the 2013 San Diego Comic-Con this weekend and in addition to making several exciting announcements about upcoming releases, the Stars were out in full force to ring it all in! Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Benicio del Toro, Chris Evans, Lee Pace, Scarlett Johansson and Tom Hiddleston were among the A-Listers in attendance this weekend at the world-famous Convention.
Sorry, are we allowed to comment how amazing Pratt looks? His Trainer deserves a round of applause! Cannot stop staring.
Key dates to remember:
Thor 2: The Dark World – November 8, 2013
Captain America: The Winter Soldier – April 4, 2014
Guardians of the Galaxy – August 1, 2014
Are you ready?
(Photo credit: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada)
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