Spider-Man: Brand New Day poised for massive opening as critics rave

Marvel's latest installment, "Spider-Man: Brand New Day," hits cinemas on Friday, marking the next chapter for Tom Holland's Peter Parker after the multiverse reset in "No Way Home." The film is slated for about 4,300 North American screens, and most market watchers anticipate an opening between $260 million and $280 million, while Sony Pictures offers a conservative $190 million-$195 million estimate. Even the modest projection would outpace the previous Spider-Man opening and place the movie within the elite group of films debuting above $200 million.

Globally, the picture is expected to generate $275 million-$300 million, aided by a day-and-date launch in China, a market the prior sequel missed. The cast includes Holland, Zendaya, Jacob Batalon, Mark Ruffalo, Jon Bernthal and newcomer Sadie Sink. The only wide-release competitor this weekend is Magnolia Pictures' "I Want Your Sex." Critics have responded positively, adding to the buzz surrounding the film's launch.