I'm still surprised at how much AoU is actually struggling to get to TA1's total, considering the growth of overseas markets and the brand name of Marvel. I think the lukewarm WOM, lost novelty factor from the first one, increased competition compared to 2012, and Marvel announcing its full Phase 3 slate took the wind out of AoU's sails. I wonder if TA1 is the high point of the CBM genre that won't be topped unless the right combination of factors happens again.
It's a huge high water mark so maybe. Then again if O/S markets keep expanding even if domestic stagnates or decreases then Infinity Wars, especially Part II if great (or it's the last hurrah for the main cast) has a chance to not just pass but blow by it.
Other factors though like the strength of the $ and the economy of O/S markets also plays into it and predicting that 4 years into the future is fruitless.
O/S markets have grown since 2012 (mostly Asia and LA) but the dollar is much stronger than in 2012. For instance, The Euro, Aus $ and Mexican $ are all about 20-25% weaker. And several local currencies like larger markets like Russia and Brazil have plummeted 50-60%. So even with more admissions and tickets sold in many territories the $ returns are lower.
In 2015 $s
The Avengers would have made about $750m O/S (about $675m w/o China) instead $895m. AOU is going to finish around $950-1b O/S. Now China will be about $150-60m of that increase but it's still a sizable increase in other local currencies.. Add in the big decrease in popularity and % of 3D in Europe and LA and overall admissions are even higher.
China also hamstrung AOU a bit by not only not opening it on a w/e in it's 30 day run, but a Tues and denying it 2D like it allowed for FF7.
The biggest % decline is the US. I think a decrease was expected by many (historically that's just what happens with phenomenon films) though it's bigger than I thought it would be. I thought it would be closer to Spider-Man 2 drop but then SM2 was a better reviewed film than the first which softened the drop.
In terms of B.O. AOU will decrease an estimated 28%. A portion of that is from the decreased % in 3D though that's partially offset by more 2D premium screens and IMAX .
TDKR decreased approx 17% in B.O. (softened by an increase in IMAX and premium 2D screens) from TDK but 23% in terms of tickets.
AOU's decrease in tickets will be near there - around 25%