Justice League 'a deafening box office disappointment'

Justice League has fallen short of expectations on its international opening weekend, pulling in much less than expected at the North American box office.

Variety labelled the US$96 million opening "decidedly gloomy", while Collider called it "a deafening disappointment" that is "extremely perilous" for sequels.

By comparison, Thor: Ragnarok brought in US$123 million on its opening weekend and is currently just shy of a US$750 million total worldwide haul.

Director Taika Waititi posted a tweet that appeared to gloat about the results and take a dig at Justice League, but after a backlash, he tweeted a clarification.

The films come from rival studios and are based on rival comic book companies - Thor: Ragnarok is a Disney / Marvel property, while Justice League is owned by Warner Bros / DC.

Released just two weeks apart, this is the closet the rivals have come to directly competing at the box office.

Justice League was expected to make US$110-115 million at the North American box office. It's actual performance is the lowest yet for a DC Extended Universe film.

Critically, it's received mostly poor reviews, with a 39 rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 46 rating on Metacritic.

Newshub.

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