Marvel’s ‘Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 3’ kicks off summer movie season with $114 million opening

The much-anticipated third installment in the Guardians of the Galaxy movie franchise has raked in an impressive $114 million in its opening weekend, setting the stage for a promising summer movie season. Directed by James Gunn and starring Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper, and Karen Gillan, Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 3 follows the misadventures of the intergalactic superhero team.

The movie, which is distributed by Marvel Studios, premiered in over 4,500 theaters across the United States and Canada, and has already surpassed industry projections for its opening weekend box office earnings. Notably, the movie has also been released simultaneously on the Disney+ streaming platform, allowing viewers to watch from the comfort of their homes.

Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 3 picks up where the previous movie left off, with the Guardians continuing their mission to protect the galaxy from a variety of threats. Along the way, they encounter new allies and enemies, and confront personal challenges that put their relationships to the test.

Critics have largely praised the movie, with many noting its humor, action sequences, and ensemble cast as standout features. The movie has also been lauded for its emotional depth, with several reviewers singling out the ways in which it explores complicated themes like grief, family, and redemption.

Notably, Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 3 also marks the return of filmmaker James Gunn to the franchise, after he was temporarily fired by Disney in 2018 over controversial tweets that resurfaced from several years prior. Gunn was subsequently rehired by Marvel Studios in 2019 after a vocal campaign by fans and cast members.

The success of Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 3 is expected to set the tone for a busy summer movie season, as theaters continue to bounce back from the pandemic-induced slowdown of 2020 and early 2021. Upcoming releases like Black Widow, F9, and A Quiet Place Part II are all expected to draw sizable audiences as well.

In conclusion, Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 3 has kicked off the summer movie season with a bang, earning an impressive $114 million in its opening weekend. The movie has been praised for its humor, action, and emotional depth, and is poised to lead a busy season of blockbuster releases.