Guardians Sets Box Office Record

Last week, Disney Consumer Products unveiled an extensive collection of products from 12 licensees including Hasbro, LEGO, Disguise, Her Universe, Café Press, Mad Engine, Just Play, KidDesigns, Hot Wheels, Rubie's, C-Life and Jay Franco. (See story

here

.)

“

Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy

introduces exciting characters and vehicles unlike anything seen in previous Marvel films. These elements were embraced by partners who immediately saw the potential to create out-of-this-world products that appeal to fans of all ages,” says Paul Gitter, senior vice president, Marvel Licensing.

According to Box Office Mojo,

Guardians of the Galaxy

recorded $94.3 million in the U.S. on its opening weekend,

The Bourne Ultimatum (2007)

previously held the No. 1 spot as the largest grossing weekend in August with $69.1 million. 

Guardians

is also the third largest opening of 2014 ranking behind

Transformers: Age of Extinction

in June ($100 million) and

Captain America: The Winter Soldier

in April ($95 million), but topping Marvel’s

Thor: The Dark World

($85.7 million) last November.

According to sources, Marvel was anticipating an opening around $60 to $65 million so this box office performance bodes well for the future of the franchise.

A sequel to

Guardians

is already set for release in 2017, which was announced by Marvel Studios at Comic-Con last month. The studio’s next films, both in 2015, are

The Avengers: Age of Ultron

(May 1) and

Ant-Man

(July 17).