'Spidey' nets 3rd-best opening of all time with US$253 million

Despite rising concerns over the Omicron variant, 'Spider-Man: No Way Home' not only shattered pandemic-era box office records; it became the third-best opening of all time.

The Sony and Marvel blockbuster grossed a stunning US$253 million in ticket sales from 4,325 North American locations, according to studio estimates on Sunday. The web-slinger's success couldn't have come sooner for a movie business that has had a rollercoaster 2021 and could be headed for a difficult start to 2022 as the Omicron variant of the coronavirus forces more and more event cancellations.

"This weekend's historic 'Spider-Man: No Way Home' results, from all over the world and in the face of many challenges, reaffirm the unmatched cultural impact that exclusive theatrical films can have when they are made and marketed with vision and resolve," said Tom Rothman, Sony Pictures Chairman and CEO, in a statement. "All of us at Sony Pictures are deeply grateful to the fabulous talent, both in front of and behind the camera, that produced such a landmark film."

As the third standalone Spider-Man film in the Tom Holland era, "No Way Home" was always going to be an "event film" for fans. After several delays over the year Sony planted its launch in the pre-Christmas frame and as of late last week had anticipated a pandemic-best opening in the $130 to $150 million range. But it quickly became clear that "Spider-Man" was going to fly much higher. The film netted an incredible $121.5 million in its first day -- bumping "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" out of the No. 2 position.

Directed by Jon Watts, "No Way Home" picks up with Holland's Peter Parker grappling with the world finding out about his superhero identity, and features Zendaya, Marisa Tomei and Benedict Cumberbatch as Doctor Strange. The promise of spoiler reveals only added to the feverish hype.