The Marvel film is widely expected to break all-time records across its run at the box office, and in fact it’s already busted a couple.
Its opening day at the US market has already had a record-setting $158.8 million estimated opening day in the US, as it soars towards what has been called an “unheard of” $349-356m three-day period.
Its overall weekend haul could approach an astronomical $400 million, while its global tally could get incredibly close to $1 billion in the space of a few days.
But without illegal piracy, could it be going even higher?
Simon Williamson of Friend MTS, which works to crack down on piracy, told Variety that there’s little doubt that the film could earn slightly more money without unlawful streaming.
“The huge proliferation of movie copies available on easily find-able and well-curated pirates services will have a direct impact on revenue,” he said.
“[Piracy is a] cultural issue that needs to be addressed, to help people understand that piracy is theft and it financially impacts everyone who works in the industry.”
But Jeff Bock of Exhibitor Relations told the same publication that most fans will want to see the film in good quality on the big screen.
“Disney, like every other studio, is obviously concerned, but with [Avengers: Endgame] turning box office records into dust, I’m sure they’ll take it in relative stride,” he remarked.
“Those that can afford to attend movies will likely seek out Endgame in theaters to enjoy the complete experience.”
Avengers: Endgame will also benefit massively from word-of-mouth: its CinemaScore rating is a rare A+.
The only two MCU movies to achieve that top mark before were The Avengers and Black Panther.
Additionally the fact Endgame contains huge spoilers and has been touted as an unmissable big-screen experience will likely drive even more moviegoers to buy tickets.
Captain Marvel is rebounding up the US box office chart, perhaps as a result of Endgame’s success.
Estimates suggest it’ll bounce back to No2 in the charts on its eighth week on release, surpassing last week’s No1: Curse of La Llorona.
Avengers: Endgame is out now.