NEW YORK CITY: Since 2008's 'Iron Man,' the Marvel machine has been one of the most unstoppable forces in box-office history. Now, though, that aura of invincibility is showing signs of wear and tear, as the screen superhero factory hit a new low with the weekend launch of 'The Marvels,' which opened with just $47 million, studio estimates showed on Sunday.

The 33rd installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and the sequel to the 2019 Brie Larson-led 'Captain Marvel,' managed less than a third of the $153.4 million its predecessor launched with before ultimately taking in $1.13 billion worldwide.