Atlanta-filmed 'Black Panther' sequel scores 2nd biggest debut of 2022

Florence Kasumba, from left, Danai Gurira, Letitia Wright and Lupita Nyong'o pose for photographers upon arrival for the premiere of the film 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever' in London, Thursday, Nov. 3, 2022. (Photo by Vianney Le Caer/Invision/AP)

The box office roared back to life with the long-awaited release of “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.”

The Marvel sequel — filmed in Atlanta in 2021 and early 2022 — earned $180 million in ticket sales from more than 4,396 theaters in the U.S. and Canada, according to estimates from The Walt Disney Co. on Sunday, making it the second biggest opening of the year behind “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.” Overseas, it brought in an additional $150 million from 50 territories, bringing its worldwide total to $330 million.

“Wakanda Forever” was eagerly anticipated by both audiences and exhibitors, who have weathered a slow spell at the box office since the summer movie season ended and there were fewer bigger budget blockbusters in the pipeline. The film got off to a mighty start a bit stronger than even the first film with an $84 million opening day, including $28 million from Thursday previews.