**Avengers: Doomsday holds a narrow edge in the market for 2026’s biggest opening weekend thanks to record early presales exceeding $55 million domestically months ahead of its December 18 release, fueled by strong trailer performance and premium-format demand.** Spider-Man: Brand New Day sits close behind after delivering a $360 million domestic debut in July that topped Avengers: Endgame, demonstrating sustained Marvel audience appetite. The tight 54-47.5% split reflects comparable franchise momentum and event-film positioning, with Doomsday’s extended sales window and shared holiday date with Dune: Messiah creating uncertainty around final tracking. The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping and Dune: Messiah trail far behind at 0.1% each, limited by November timing and IMAX allocation respectively. Traders are watching December presale spikes and any late marketing shifts that could tip the balance before the holiday frame locks in.