Globally, the tentpole could set a new opening record after earning a mighty $179 million internationally in its first three days; elsewhere, 'Black Panther' moves back up the chart in a superhero bonanza for Marvel.

Disney and Marvel's Avengers: Infinity War is on course for a domestic debut north of $240 million — within shouting distance of Star Wars: The Force Awakens ($248 million), the record holder for biggest opening. Disney is being more cautious and suggesting a domestic launch in the $225 million to $240 million range. Whatever the case, Infinity War is sure of securing the second-biggest launch of all time, eclipsing Star Wars: The Last Jedi ($220 million). And globally, Infinity War could eclipse The Fate of the Furious ($541.9 million) to land the biggest box-office launch of all time. That's without the benefit of China, where it doesn't land until May 11.

Infinity War has already earned a mighty $178.5 million internationally in its first three days (Wednesday through Friday) for an early global total of $284.5 million. Friday's North American gross was $106 million, the second-best single day in history behind the $119.2 million earned by Force Awakens on its first day. Until now, Avengers: Age of Ultron sported the biggest single day for a superhero pic ($84.4 million). It's a Marvel superhero bonanza all the way around as Black Panther moves up the chart from No. 8 to No. 5 in its ninth weekend with projected earnings of $3.6 million.