‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’ makes $185M in biggest film debut of 2022
It was an exciting opening weekend for “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness,” which made $185 million in North America for the biggest debut of any film in 2022.
The Marvel blockbuster starring Benedict Cumberbatch as the titular superhero sorcerer has already made $450 million worldwide.
Directed by Sam Raimi, “Multiverse of Madness” follows Dr. Stephen Strange as he navigates alternate dimensions after accidentally opening a portal to other worlds.
The film’s $185 million domestic haul blew past the $134 million made by “The Batman” in its opening weekend in March, which was the previous high mark for a movie released this year.
“Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” now boasts the second-biggest domestic debut of any movie released during the COVID-19 pandemic, trailing only “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” which opened with $260 million last December.
Doctor Strange appeared in that “Spider-Man” film, which sets up the events depicted in “Multiverse of Madness.”
Elizabeth Olsen also stars in “Multiverse of Madness” as the sorceress Wanda Maximoff, who embraces her new identity as the powerful-but-dangerous Scarlet Witch. Benedict Wong, Rachel McAdams and franchise newcomer Xochitl Gomez star in the film as well.
The superhero sequel made $100 million more than the original “Doctor Strange” film opened with in 2016.
“Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” dominated an otherwise quiet box office that didn’t feature any other major new releases.
The new “Doctor Strange” film kicks off a busy month for cinemas that also features the premieres of “Top Gun: Maverick” and “The Bob Burgers Movie” on May 27.
