Avengers: Doomsday Hits USD 40 Million in Pre-Sales Ahead of Theatrical Debut

Marvel’s upcoming blockbuster 'Avengers: Doomsday' has achieved a significant box office milestone, crossing USD 40 million in advance ticket sales approximately 100 days before its scheduled theatrical release. This figure marks a record-breaking pace for pre-sales, positioning the film as a major contender for high-grossing status upon its debut. The momentum follows the release of the film’s first trailer in July, which triggered an immediate surge in demand across approximately 1,000 premium theatres. Industry analysts note that the film is currently outperforming previous Marvel titles, including 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day,' by roughly 65% in early sales metrics.

The anticipation surrounding the project is largely attributed to the return of Robert Downey Jr. to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, this time cast in the role of the supervillain Doctor Doom. Directed by the Russo brothers, the film is expected to feature a wide array of returning MCU characters, including those from the X-Men and Fantastic Four franchises. Current projections suggest a domestic opening weekend between USD 260 million and USD 300 million, with global expectations aiming to match the record-setting performance of 'Avengers: Endgame'.

The USD 40 million milestone represents a unique achievement in contemporary cinema, as no other film has reached this level of pre-sale revenue with 100 days remaining until its release. The sales trajectory began in July, with the film reportedly earning Rs 16.5 million on its opening day of pre-sales alone. This initial performance was double that of 'Deadpool & Wolverine' during its comparable pre-sale window, signaling strong consumer interest.

While the film is currently in the final stages of post-production, including editing and scoring, the Russo brothers have confirmed that reshoots were ongoing until recently. Despite the high expectations, the film faces a competitive landscape, as it is scheduled to share its release date with 'Dune: Part Three'. The studio is reportedly preparing to release a new trailer this month, potentially attached to the theatrical re-release of 'Avengers Endgame: Encore' on September 25, to further bolster interest.

In a separate development within the entertainment industry, stars Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock have opened up about their experiences returning to the 'Practical Magic' franchise. Ahead of the release of 'Practical Magic 2', the actresses discussed the challenges they faced during the original film's release in the 1990s. Bullock revealed that the initial negative critical reception left her with significant trauma, noting, "I had so much trauma from the press junket for the first one because it was brutal. We were not well-received because we were ‘too much,’ ‘too witchy,’ ‘too many women,’ and ‘too many tones.’"

Kidman added that the cultural perception of the themes explored in the original film has shifted positively over time. The two actresses, who are also serving as producers on the sequel, emphasized the importance of budget management during the production of the new film, particularly regarding the construction of the iconic Owens house on a London backlot. The sequel, based on Alice Hoffman’s 2021 novel 'The Book of Magic', is set to introduce new cast members including Joey King and Maisie Williams.

In a somber development for Hollywood, brothers Ben and Casey Affleck recently shared news of the passing of their father, Timothy 'Tim' Byers Affleck. The announcement was made by Casey Affleck during a press conference at the 83rd Venice Film Festival, where he was promoting his latest film, 'Company'. He dedicated the project to his parents, stating, "It’s dedicated to my parents because I lost both my mom and my dad this year, and they were very important to me."

Timothy Affleck, who was 76, had a varied career as an actor and playwright before working as a counselor at an alcohol rehabilitation center following his own recovery in 1990. The news follows the passing of the brothers' mother, Christopher Anne 'Chris' Affleck, earlier this year in June after a battle with pancreatic cancer. The brothers have not disclosed the specific date of their father's passing, but the loss marks a difficult year for the family.

Separately, actor Nicolas Cage’s Malibu residence has been declared unsafe following the formation of a massive 30-by-30-foot sinkhole outside the property. The collapse, which occurred near the driveway of the beachfront home, prompted local authorities to bar entry to five homes on the street as a precautionary measure. While officials are investigating coastal erosion as a potential cause, no evacuations have been ordered.

Utility crews responded to the scene after a gas leak was reported shortly before 6 am, though the leak was brought under control within hours. The property, which Cage purchased in 2024 for USD 10.5 million, is a 4,000-square-foot contemporary home built in 1994. While the extent of the damage to the driveway and surrounding infrastructure is significant, reports indicate that no one appeared to be at home at the time of the incident.

'Avengers: Doomsday' is scheduled for its theatrical debut in approximately 100 days, with the studio expected to continue its marketing push through the fall. The release of the rumored new trailer on September 25 will serve as a key indicator of continued audience engagement. Meanwhile, 'Practical Magic 2' is slated for a US theatrical release on September 10, followed by international rollouts on September 11 and September 18, 2026. These releases represent the next major milestones for their respective studios as they navigate the final quarter of the year.