Chinese cinema lovers fill theaters for early-morning screenings of 'Avengers: Endgame'

The highly-anticipated Marvel Comics superhero franchise finale 'Avengers: Endgame'hit Chinese cinemas early on Wednesday, with the film becoming an instant box office smash as excited movie fans headed out to take in early morning screenings across the country. See pictures from the world premiere.

For Chinese moviegoers, the film is considered as one of the major cinema spectacles of the year. Viewers rushed to theatres as soon as the film was released on Wednesday morning, eager to see how their favourite superheroes who survived in the previous 'Avengers: Infinity War'edition would fare in their bid to save the universe. This is how the critics are responding to the film.

Many film-lovers have been gearing up to see the movie for quite some time, with some of the most enthusiastic fans making preparations to ensure they had the best possible viewing experience.

"We read recommendations on the internet to see which cinemas have great film experience, then we bought tickets for three cinemas and finally chose this one," said one Beijing movie buff who made sure he had the best seat in town.

With the movie being screened in China two days ahead of its USrelease, many foreign film fans pounced on the chance to get a first glimpse of the sci-fi action.

"We are from Africa. We think China is a fast-growing country, so it deserves [the chance to screen the move early]," said a moviegoer.

Box office sales for the midnight premiere in China reached about 179 million yuan (nearly 27 million USdollars), while over three million moviegoers attended the landmark opening day screenings all over China.

Pre-sales for the Marvel movie's Wednesday opening also set a single day pre-sales record, reaching about 232 million yuan, or nearly 35 million USdollars.

Many of those exiting the theatre said they regarded the star-studded series conclusion as the best among the entire Avengers franchise.

"People have positive comments about it. I think it's one of the best movies among the Avengers series. There are many references back to the previous story which linked all the hidden surprises and details of the previous movies," said a movie fan.

"I'm really satisfied with it. I hope they [director and scriptwriters] can start an even better second stage," said another fan.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, after Endgame's record-breaking midnight release in China, it could rake in another 270 million USdollars during its five-day debut and perhaps earn around 450 million USdollars by the time its run ends in Chinese theatres.

Meanwhile, reportedly the film will not haveany post-credit scene.