LOL @ the 2 billion predictions.
Don't LOL the $2b. Nobody could've predicted that Snyder would turn in such a train wreck of a movie...
Except those who did of course, factoring the massive appeal of the properties, but applying Watchmen BO reception after that.
I didn't imagine he'd try and Watchmen the DCEU so blatantly.
Avatar's around $2.8b with a very simple tale that was was very effectively and compellingly told. Simple yet believable and consistent characters.
Combine the most inspirational and recognisable IP's on the planet with a solid, tight, compelling narrative and the glossy visuals of Avatar (not Snyder's washed out palette), with Snyder's action - I could easily see this passing the $2b mark.
But here's the difference - Avatar had a $77m domestic OW, representing only 10% of it's total. This thing had legs for miles. Even more overseas.
Compare that with BvS at $166m OW, 52% of the total when it's all but finished. If it was only half as enduring as Avatar, with OW at 20% of the total, the DBO would be an amazing $830m. Even a modest 40% (AoU was 41.7, TA was 33.3) would make it $415m.
If it wasn't so heavily front loaded, if people had decided to wait for peer feedback after the terrible critical reviews, I doubt it would've cracked $70m OW.
This track record will definitely impact JL. A modest OW won't hurt it if it's really good. Long legs would carry it past this mess.
If it isn't really good, it will sink like a stone.
As a lifelong DC fan, this is a tragedy bordering on farce.
Damn you WB. You maniacs. Damn you all to Hell.