New 'Guardians' movie en route to USD 260 million opening weekend

The latest release from Marvel Studios, "Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3", is predicted to rake in an opening weekend haul of USD 260 million globally.

Entertainment trade publication, Deadline, reported that the movie had already grossed USD 120 million worldwide through Friday, with USD 71.5 million of it coming from international markets.

It is expected that the figure will more than double to USD 150 million by the end of the weekend.

The film, which is directed by cult and horror film-maker James Gunn, is screening in 52 countries, including Singapore and China.

Xinhua reported that "Guardians 3" gained the top box-office spot in China on Saturday, and generated a daily box office revenue of USD 8.35 million.

This is the third and final film in the space fantasy franchise, about a group of bounty hunters and scavengers known as the "Guardians Of The Galaxy".

The story takes place after the events of "Avengers: Endgame (2019)" and "Thor: Love And Thunder (2022)", and sees the team going about their lives when they suddenly come under attack from a mysterious organisation.