Though the weekend has only just begun, the initial haul for Avengers: Infinity War has already pushed the MCU past $15 billion at the global box office. Few will be surprised at the final box office haul of Avengers: Infinity War given Marvel Studios' impressive track record and the big stars and characters that make up the film. The MCU has been building for ten years towards this film, and Avengers 3 outsold the past seven Marvel movies combined when it came to pre-sale tickets.

Between its stellar cast and the pedigree of the team behind Captain America: The Winter Soldier and Captain America: Civil War returning to the MCU, fans have been anxiously awaiting the release of Avengers: Infinity War. The film continued its record breaking streak when it broke the MCU's Thursday opening record. And now, with the movie out around the world, the first numbers have arrived and pushed the MCU to new heights.

According to Box Office Mojo, Avengers: Infinity War has earned nearly $106 million domestically and a worldwide total of $284.5 million so far. With its Thursday opening numbers and the Friday box office already tallied, Infinity War looks to be set for a massive opening weekend. There's no telling what the final numbers will be just yet, but Marvel will surely land their biggest opening ever. Regardless, the ticket sales so far have sent the global total for the MCU to $15.12 billion.

Bruce Banner next to the Hulkbuster Gauntlet in Avengers Infinity War

The over $15 billion haul is just the latest milestone, as Black Panther pushed the MCU past $14 billion just two months ago. Domestically, the MCU now sits at $6.6 billion, an impressive feat as the MCU broke $5 billion late last year. And considering the estimates for Avengers: Infinity War, another billion is all but guaranteed before the summer is over.

Early estimates suggested Avengers 3 would open to $200 million, with some saying $250 million was possible. With Saturday and Sunday hauls still to come, the former numbers certainly seem like they could be met or surpassed without much trouble. Taking the top spot on the all-time opening weekend chart, however, could still prove difficult. So, while we'll have to wait to see how many records Avengers: Infinity War breaks, it's certainly off to a good start.

Another advantage Avengers: Infinity War has at the box office is releasing immediately following the overwhelming success of Black Panther. Considering how well-received the movie was and how well it continues to perform at the global box office, it's more than likely that Infinity War got some sort of boost - significant or not - because of that film alone. After all, Black Panther and Wakanda both play integral roles in Avengers: Infinity War.

MORE: The Next Two Marvel Movies Are Set Before Avengers: Infinity War

Source: Box Office Mojo

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