14 DAY TRIAL // “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” came out last Friday and was welcomed warmly by fans and critics alike. Fans, first and foremost, played a deciding factor in making the Marvel cinematic universe, of which the Captain is also a part, the biggest movie franchise ever in history.
For the uninitiated, said universe comprises all three “Iron Man” films, both “Captain America” installments, two “Thor” movies and “The Avengers,” which is getting a sequel next year. It is entirely based on the comics, with Marvel planning from the start to give each of the most prominent superheroes their standalone movies before having them reunited in “The Avengers.”
The effort has paid off. According to figures provided by Box Office Mojo, the Marvel cinematic universe is now sitting comfortably at the number one spot of the best-selling movie franchises so far. It has made $2.46 billion (€1.78 billion) so far and it’s not even close to stopping.
As noted above, there’s a new “Avengers” movie coming out next year, and Marvel has already announced the release date for the third “Captain” for May 2016, going neck and neck with Warner Bros.’ “Batman vs. Superman,” which will be released on the same day.
Word has it that Marvel is even planning giving Black Widow (played by Scarlett Johansson) her own franchise but, so far, there’s been little movement on that front.
The other film franchises in the chart, beaten by Marvel, are the 8 “Harry Potter” films, 7 “Star Wars,” 24 “James Bond” installments, the 3 “Dark Knight” films by Nolan and “Lord of the Rings.”
The figures have not been adjusted for inflation.