A superhero movie hasn't finished the year as the highest-grossing release since 2021's Spider-Man: No Way Home.
In 2022, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness was in fourth place behind Avatar: The Way of Water, Top Gun: Maverick, and Jurassic World Dominion. 2023, meanwhile, currently has Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 in that same position with Barbie at the top and then The Super Mario Bros. Movie and Oppenheimer not too far behind.
The genre isn't exactly in trouble but it's become clear that, when there's an exciting enough alternative, people will pay to see more than just superheroes on the big screen.
It was recently revealed that Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour is coming to theaters across the U.S. and Canada on October 13. The concert film has already broken records previously held by Avengers: Endgame and Spider-Man: No Way Home, but it's now on course to potentially break even more.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the movie is eyeing a $100 million opening weekend, with many pundits already convinced it will smash beyond that and reach upwards of $150 million.
To put that into context for you, these are the opening weekends of 2023's superhero movies:
•Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania - $104 million
•Shazam! Fury of the Gods - $30.5 million
•Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 - $118.4 million
•Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse - $120.5 million
•The Flash - $55.7 million
•Blue Beetle - $25.4 million
It's unclear why an international release hasn't been planned because, as things stand, Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour has the potential to be the year's highest-grossing movie. For now, though, it may at least end up with 2023's biggest domestic opening weekend, potentially topping the likes of Barbie ($155 million) and The Super Mario Bros. Movie ($146 million).
Cinemark chief marketing and content officer Wanda Gierhart Fearing said in a statement: "The record-breaking advance sales happening at our theaters across the United States for Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour showcase the incomparable joy that comes from taking in unbelievable content in an immersive environment together with friends, family and fellow fans."
"Her tour’s sensational attraction, which is now continuing across exhibition, drove frenzied traffic to our website and app the moment tickets went on sale, and we are ready for Swifties to be enchanted by this concert film in the unprecedented number of auditoriums we have booked to meet demand for the shared, musical experience."
With Taylor Swift rumoured to make an appearance in Deadpool 3, this fall looks set to be a good time for the singer (and occasional actress) to showcase what a force she is to be reckoned with, even at the box office.