Hong Kong – Marvel’s latest blockbuster, “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” has shattered box office expectations in Hong Kong and Macau, grossing more than HK$100 million (US$12.7 million) as of Friday, according to industry figures. The film, directed by Destin Daniel Cretton and starring Tom Holland, has now drawn over one million admissions across the two special administrative regions since its release on Dec. 30.
The milestone cements the superhero sequel as a top performer in local cinematic history. It currently ranks as the 16th highest-grossing film of all time in Hong Kong and Macau combined, and the 11th highest-grossing Hollywood release ever in the market. The strong showing comes amid a busy holiday season, with audiences flocking to theaters despite lingering pandemic-related capacity restrictions.
The film’s success is not limited to East Asia. In North America, “Spider-Man: No Way Home” earned an additional US$5.5 million (approx. HK$42.9 million) on Friday alone, pushing its domestic cumulative total past US$870 million (about HK$67.8 billion). That figure has overtaken the US$850 million record set by “Avengers: Endgame,” propelling the Spider-Man adventure to second place on the all-time North American box office chart.
The only film now ahead of it is “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” which holds the top spot at US$936.7 million (roughly HK$7.3 billion). Industry analysts suggest that “No Way Home” could close the gap in the coming weeks, especially as schools break for winter holidays and new promotional efforts roll out.
A Multiverse of Records
The movie, which weaves together characters from multiple Spider-Man film franchises, has drawn praise for its nostalgic appeal and action sequences. Critics have highlighted how the film’s plot—centering on Holland’s Peter Parker seeking help from Doctor Strange to erase his secret identity—has resonated with both longtime fans and new viewers.
“This is more than a superhero movie; it’s a cultural event,” said film industry consultant David Lee in a recent interview. “The intergenerational casting and the emotional stakes have given it legs at the box office, something rare in the current streaming-heavy landscape.”
Looking Ahead
As “Spider-Man: No Way Home” continues its global rollout, the question remains whether it can surpass the “Star Wars” record in North America and challenge the US$2.8 billion worldwide mark set by “Avengers: Endgame.” While competition from upcoming releases such as “The Matrix Resurrections” and “Scream” may slow its momentum, its current trajectory suggests the web-slinger could swing past several more milestones before leaving theaters.
For audiences in Hong Kong and Macau, the film offers a rare bright spot in an otherwise subdued year for cinema. With more Marvel titles slated for 2024—including “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness”—the success of “No Way Home” may signal a robust recovery for the region’s theatrical market.
