Analysts are predicting that the domestic box office haul for Avengers: Age of Ultron will fall far short of the first Avengers film's total. After 8 days of release, Age of Ultron has earned $217.6 M USD while Avengers had accumulated $244 M USD after 8 days.
However, the international numbers for Age of Ultron are trending through the roof and will surpass the first film. The end result? The worldwide total for Age of Ultron will surpass the first Avengers film despite have a smaller domestic haul. Currently, Age of Ultron has earned $478 M USD internationally, a sizable lead over The Avengers' $425 M USD international total at this point in 2012. Analysts also point to the fact that staggered and varying international release dates are also impacting the international box office num bers. Age of Ultron will not open in the sizable China market until May 14th. Japan will have to wait until July 4th. Analysts expect both of these territories to widen the gap between Age of Ultron and The Avengers international totals.
The tell-tale sign for how the domestic populace feels about Joss Whedon's second Avengers feature will come in the drop percentage between its first and second weekend of release. The first Avengers only suffered a 50% box office drop moving out of its second weekend. Once the final weekend numbers come in on Monday, we should have a somewhat solid indicator of whether Age of Ultron is enjoying the same amount of repeat viewings that its predecessor amassed.