Shang-Chi is the first Marvel film to release exclusively in theaters since the pandemic began.

Prior to the theatrical premier of Marvel’s Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings this past weekend, there was a bit of a question mark hanging in the air. Unlike Black Widow, which had a hybrid release in theaters and on Disney+ due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Shang-Chi was only released in theaters, which means its success or failure could set the climate of Marvel’s theatrical projects going forward.

Box Office: ‘Shang-Chi’ Dazzles With Mighty $71.4 Million Opening Weekend https://t.co/UOs5vBx8fd

— Variety (@Variety) September 5, 2021

Luckily, it seems there are always patrons for theater seats when a Marvel movie is on the screen. In its opening weekend, Shang-Chi turned a domestic box office profit of $71.4 million, the second-highest opening weekend box office any theatrical release has accrued since the beginning of the pandemic last year, second only to Black Widow. On top of the domestic box office, Shang-Chi brought in an international profit of $56.2 million, bringing the grand total up to $127.6 million.

Box Office: ‘Shang-Chi’ Smashes Labor Day Record with $83M-Plus https://t.co/byZeBLmNbm

— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) September 5, 2021

“There is no doubt that the massive brand equity of Marvel boosted ‘Shang-Chi’s’ prospects,” said Comscore senior media analyst Paul Dergarabedian. ”[And] a perfectly executed theatrical-first strategy served to rev up interest and excitement among fans.”

The only remaining uncertainty to the film is its status in China. Shang-Chi has yet to receive authorization to premier in Chinese theaters. Marvel typically makes around 10-20% of its overall profits in the Chinese box office, so if the film isn’t approved, it could take a major hit to its bottom line.