May box office tops $1B without Marvel boost

The North American box office crossed $1 billion in May for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, marking only the ninth time in history that the month has reached that milestone.

According to Box Office Mojo estimates, theaters in the United States and Canada generated about $1.06 billion in ticket sales during the month.

Unlike previous billion-dollar Mays, this year’s achievement came without a Marvel film leading the charge. 

After Disney moved Avengers: Doomsday from its traditional early summer slot to December, Lionsgate’s biopic Michael stepped up as the month’s biggest hit, earning $210 million domestically. 

Close behind was 20th Century’s The Devil Wears Prada 2, which collected $209 million and attracted strong support from fans of the 2006 original.

While The Mandalorian and Grogu earned $137 million, it suffered a steep 70% drop in its second weekend. Meanwhile, surprise hits Obsession ($104.7 million) and Backrooms ($81 million) helped keep theaters busy.

The Chiwetel Ejiofor-starrer set a new opening-weekend record for A24.

With major releases arriving in June, industry analysts expect the strong box-office momentum to continue.