You may have thought that Sony had high expectations for THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 based on the multiple already announced sequels and spin-offs they have planned, but just wait until you hear this. Sony Pictures’ Amy Pascal made the ambitious statement that the studio is not just anticipating that THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 is going to be huge, but they are expecting it to be almost as big as THE AVENGERS. That’s right; Sony has set a box office goal for their superhero sequel of $1 billion in worldwide gross.
Disney’s THE AVENGERS broke records and became the third highest grossing movie domestically and only the third movie to cross the $600 million mark. Globally, THE AVENGERS grossed $1.5 billion and is one of only 18 films to ever break the $1 billion mark. Also consider this: none of the three Sam Raimi SPIDER-MAN films crossed $400 million domestically except the first movie and SPIDER-MAN 3 was the top grossing globally with $890 million. THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN grossed just $262 million domestically and $750 million globally, making it the lowest grossing of any SPIDER-MAN films.
The $1 billion mark is definitely a high number especially with some reviews coming in negatively regarding the sequel. Director Marc Webb seems to have eliminated the DARK KNIGHT-esque “realistic” approach the first movie went for in favor of a balls out CGI extravaganza. Some have criticized the overstuffed cast of villains and the cartoony look of the trailers but Sony does not seem worried. I am still interested in checking out the movie but I would have reservations of setting such lofty goals in regards to past performance from the franchise under Webb and even Sam Raimi.
THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 hits theaters May 2, 2014.