The Marvel Effect
As of now, the MCU has grossed
$10,916,958,583 at the worldwide box office, and if the next eight films can live up to each of their respective predecessors, the franchise could very well double, and even triple, its worldwide earnings. Both of the next
Avengers films could easily make $1 billion each, and if the next
Thor and
Ant-Man movies follow in common sequel fashion, they could both make well over their originals' total earnings.
Guardians is already on its way there.
Predicting gross profit from films is difficult, as
Hollywood accounting is notoriously complicated, but it is safe to argue that Marvel has proven to be the ultimate money maker. Its films, comics, TV shows, merchandise, and all other revenue sources show that Disney made the entertainment deal of a lifetime.