BP's Domestic Box office is Greater than the Combo of BvS + JL Domestic?
Marvel's Black Panther's domestic box office currently stands at $562 Million and over the next weeks, even with the customary drops, will soon reach $600 Million domestic. There is something driving this besides Representation. The Dark Knight and DKR both grossed $534 and $448 Million respectively as the superhero demand started growing.
In my opinion the popularity of the MCU and the Marvel brand have helped BP reach this lofty result. Warner/DC management should be absolutely embarrassed for destroying the IP for DC characters including Batman. I personally think Batman is over exposed and DC has become crippled by an over reliance on Batman, but the real problem is that Warner/DC is too wedded to a particular fan base. It's great that Warner/DC listens to their fans but it is criminal that they kowtow to those same fans. The tail is now wagging the dog.
It makes no sense that a B-List character like Black Panther (based on comic title sales, media exposure and overall popularity) should suddenly be this in demand. I think Marvel/Disney has been riding a wave of luck, timing and momentum. With luck being the residue of hardwork.
BP was created in 1966 without much fanfare and that wasn't blind luck; but to execute to the tune of crossing $1 Billion in 2018?! Success means that Disney/Marvel work very hard on crafting a viable entertainment product.
BvS made $330 Mil Domestic and JL made $228 Mil Domestic. BP garnering more than those two movies combined domestically is insane. It is criminally insane. At some point the DCEU will become irrelevant to the MCU and maybe that is Warner's plan to remain distinct and different. But how is Warner/DC going to win back audiences for their films in the long run?