With Avengers: Endgame still only on the cusp of its third theatrical week and already overtaking every film on its way to become the second highest earning film of all time. It managed to unseat Titanic and knock it down from the position it held for ten years. The director, James Cameron (who also hold the number one spot with Avatar) took to social media to congratulate the Avengers: Endgame directing duet, Joe and Anthony Russo. This congratulations came in postcard-esque format and hearkens back to ye old days of George Lucas’ and Steven Spielberg’s back and forth at the box office.
The endearing tradition began in 1977 when, what was know just as Star Wars back then (now known as Star Wars: A New Hope) took over from the massively popular sea monster thriller, Jaws. The letter is a personal congratulations from Steven Spielberg to George Lucas for overtaking his film as the number one highest earning film at the box office. Its been know that Spielberg and Lucas have a close and friendly companionship, often known to advise each other on their next blockbusting venture and even working together to produce the Indian Jones franchise.
In 1982, Steven Spielberg took back the title with his family sci-fi film, E.T. Following from his congratulations to Lucas, the sentiment was mirrored with this heart-felt image of the characters of Star Wars holding up E.T in celebration.
Then in 1983, George Lucas released what was thought to be the last Star Wars film, Return of the Jedi. Although this film did not take the record from Spielberg’s E.T, congratulations was still awarded, and I think its clear to see which of the Star Wars characters is Spielberg’s favourite.
In 1998, a new player entered the game. James Cameron’s hit drama based on true events, Titanic, took to the waves and overturned all previous records. At the time Jurassic Park was at the top of all films, but it was Lucas that offered the congratulations with this comical image of the Star Wars characters on the Titanic.
Jumping into the 21st century, The Avengers, in 2012, took the record for biggest opening weekend away from Star Wars and at the same time re-invigorated the tradition of passing congratulations. Although this time the director didn’t take ad space in a newspaper, but instead spread the image across social media, for a global audience to see.
Then 2015 was a big, big year for film box office. Firstly, with Jurassic world taking the biggest opening weekend from The Avenger. To later the same year Star Wars: The Force Awakens taking it from Jurassic World. You can see how the format has changed, with the size of the image being more suitable for social media now, rather than taking a single page in a newspaper.
And finally, we arrive here in 2019. Where Avengers: Endgame not only take biggest opening weekend of all time, along with more records, but it places second in the biggest all-time films list and looks like it could take the top stop too.
Film Rabbit 