HOLLYWOOD - Doctor Strange and his questionably effective book of spells has reaffirmed the box office dominance of Disney’s Marvel Cinematic Universe after a shakier, pandemic-battered year for the sprawling franchise.

“Doctor Strange 2” easily delivered the biggest opening weekend of 2022, as well as the second-biggest debut in COVID-19 times. Prior to this past weekend, “The Batman” stood as the year’s biggest opening weekend.

“Doctor Strange 2” kicks off the summer blockbuster season with a bang. In the coming months, “Top Gun: Maverick” (May 27th), “Jurassic World Dominion” (June 10th) and “Thor: Love and Thunder” (July 8th) should keep theaters bustling with foot traffic.

After two weeks at the No. 1 spot, the animated heist comedy “The Bad Guys” dropped to second place.

Paramount’s family-friendly “Sonic the Hedgehog 2” took third place.

“Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore” dropped to the No. 4 spot.

A24’s “Everything Everywhere All at Once” beat Focus Features’ “The Northman” for fifth place.

Story Date: May 13, 2022