On a symbolic level, this type of opening is exactly what both Warner Bros. and theaters needed right now.
As for the theater industry, “The Batman’s” box office is another step towards normalcy after two years of stops and starts because of the pandemic.
“The Batman” making $128.5 million is also impressive considering that the film was both lengthy — and decidedly grim.
Clocking in at two hours and 56 minutes, it’s one of the longest superhero movies ever made. That extended run time makes it hard to maximize screenings, and thus tickets sales. Also, the film’s violent, dark tone isn’t exactly family friendly, so that likely kept some ticket buyers from bringing kids to the movie.
Despite all of that, it clearly found an audience, likely helped by the stellar reviews.
“‘The Batman’ presents a muscular vision of the Dark Knight that hardcore fans have long desired,” he said.
So what’s next for the box office adventures of “The Batman”? Likely more money.
March is wide open for the film since there’s really not much competition for the rest of the month. The next potential big money-maker, Sony’s “Morbius,” doesn’t hit theaters until April 1.
