Marvel Studios' Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is the latest of a handful of major film releases signalling Hollywood's return to China. But while the majority of titles have failed to make an impact in the country, James Gunn's final Marvel Cinematic Universe film distinguished itself by topping the charts.

According to ticketing provider Maoyan, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 surpassed many of China's domestically-produced projects, including Born to Fly and Godspeed to claim the number one spot. The film grossed approximately $7.5 million over previews and opening day earnings. Its weekend earnings are expected to be heavily impacted by Saturday's adjusted workday.

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How Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3's Box Office Take Compares

Current projections suggest the film will earn over $20 million, which is still far from the same box office heights Hollywood films enjoyed prior to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and the Communist Party of China's centennial in 2021. For comparison, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 earned $48 million over its opening weekend in China.

More recently, Marvel Studios films like Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania failed to earn significant numbers, with Wakanda Forever grossing just $15.5 million and Quantumania earning $39 million over their entire respective theatrical runs in China.

Since the CCP centennial in 2021, there has been a major focus on domestically produced films in China and a virtual ban on Hollywood films that lasted until earlier this year. Still, box office reports have shown that Chinese audiences appear to favor domestic films and have largely ignored Hollywood films in theaters.

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James Gunn's Final MCU Film

Outside of China, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 has enjoyed a successful premiere and is expected to earn significantly over its opening weekend, though not as significantly as its predecessor. Current projections place GotG Vol. 3's domestic weekend take at $120 million, whereas Vol. 2 earned $146 million.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 marks the final instalment of James Gunn's MCU saga. With it comes franchise farewells to fan-favorite characters including Drax the Destroyer and Gamora, whose respective actors, Dave Bautista and Zoe Saldana have stated they are not interested in returning to the characters. Moreover, actor Chris Pratt recently discussed Gunn's departure from the MCU -- due in part to his new position as co-CEO of DC Studios -- and stated he would only ever return to Star-Lord if the project fulfilled a number of criteria.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is in theaters now.

Source: Maoyan