'Avengers' big opening sets stage for record weekend, tops 'Star Wars'

Disney estimates the weekend grosses in the US and Canada will range between $310 million and $340 million, in line with Box Office Pro and Box Office Mojo forecasts

The Avengers have an edge over The Force.

“Avengers: Endgame” took in a domestic record of $156.7 million on its first day, including Thursday night previews, and looks set for an all-time high opening this weekend. The previous record was held by “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” which earned $119 million in 2015.

Internationally, “Endgame” has grossed $487 million, also a record. Fans in China are lapping up the action, all three hours-plus of it. The numbers there have already passed the previous opening weekend record set by “Avengers: Infinity War” with Saturday and Sunday still to come.

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