The highly anticipated Captain America: New World Order defied expectations this past holiday weekend, dominating the U.S. box office with a strong performance over the four-day holiday period, despite mixed reviews and lukewarm audience reception. Analysts are now suggesting that the much-discussed “superhero fatigue” may not be as severe as previously thought.
Anthony Mackie steps into the iconic role of Sam Wilson, taking over from Chris Evans as the titular hero in a story that sees the U.S. embroiled in an international struggle over a dangerous cache of adamantium, the material known for its super-strength. The film features Harrison Ford as the U.S. president, whose character (spoiler alert) undergoes a shocking transformation into a monstrous figure.
Meanwhile, Paddington in Peru, the long-awaited sequel featuring the lovable, marmalade-obsessed bear, landed in second place with a much lower $16 million over the Friday-to-Monday period. Despite positive reviews, the family-friendly hybrid film—which combines live-action and animation—could not keep pace with the superhero blockbuster. The story follows Paddington (voiced by Ben Whishaw) as he returns to Peru to search for his missing aunt, with the Brown family, played by Hugh Bonneville and Emily Mortimer, joining the adventure. With a production budget of around $90 million, the film has already grossed approximately $115 million globally.
In third place, Dog Man, an animated superhero comedy from Universal and DreamWorks, grossed $12.3 million over the same period. Based on the popular Captain Underpants book series, the film appeals to younger audiences with its slapstick humor and superhero antics.
The Sony horror-comedy Heart Eyes claimed fourth with an estimated $11.1 million. A unique blend of romantic comedy and slasher thriller, the film follows a serial killer who strikes on Valentine’s Day, starring Olivia Holt and Mason Gooding.
Rounding out the top five was Ne Zha 2, an animated blockbuster from CMC Pictures, which earned $8.5 million during the holiday period. A sequel to the 2019 hit Ne Zha, the film has shattered records in China, grossing over $1 billion since its January 29 release—making it the highest-grossing film ever in the Chinese market. Drawing inspiration from Chinese mythology and a famous 16th-century novel, Ne Zha 2 features the powerful Nezha battling the Dragon King of the Four Seas.
Despite the diverse array of genres, Captain America: New World Order held its ground, offering a reminder that superhero films, particularly with established characters, continue to captivate audiences at the box office.
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