Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman return to the Marvel Universe in “Deadpool & Wolverine,” a film set to make history this weekend as it debuts with an R rating in Disney’s Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
The highly anticipated third installment starring Reynolds’ wisecracking antihero is expected to gross between $160 million and $180 million domestically during its opening weekend. It’s already the highest-grossing film of 2024 in advance, according to Fandango, and is on track to break several records, including the biggest domestic opening of the year and the biggest debut ever for an R-rated film.
Disney and Pixar’s “Inside Out 2” currently holds the title as the year’s highest-grossing film with $154.2 million, while the original “Deadpool” boasts the best opening for an R-rated film with $132.4 million, according to Comscore data.
Mike Bowers, president and CEO of Harkins Theatres, confidently stated, “I think there’s no doubt that this will be the highest-grossing film of all time. It’s already one of the highest-selling advance films in history for us.”
Deadpool Movies Box Office Hits
- “The Deadpool Movie” (2016)
- Opening: $132.4 million
- Global gross: $782.6 million
- “Deadpool 2” (2018)
- Opening: $125.5 million
- Global gross: $786.3 million
A New Era for R-Rated MCU Films
“Deadpool & Wolverine” marks the 34th MCU film and the first to receive an R rating from the Motion Picture Association. The previous “Deadpool” films, also rated R, were originally produced and distributed by 20th Century Fox before Disney acquired the company in 2019, integrating the X-Men and Fantastic Four into the broader Marvel portfolio.
Like its MCU predecessors, “Deadpool & Wolverine” is enjoying high fan anticipation, with audiences eager to see it on opening weekend to avoid spoilers. Disney has kept much of the film under wraps and limited press screenings, adding to the excitement.
Bowers expects repeat viewings: “This is a movie with so much going on, so many jokes and funny sequences, that audiences will be coming back again and again to catch every detail.”
Ellis Jacob, president and CEO of Cineplex, Canada’s largest cinema chain, added that the film is full of Easter eggs, encouraging repeat visits. He also noted that many fans are opting for premium formats like IMAX, Dolby and ScreenX, which have higher ticket prices.
Marketing and Merchandise Enhancement
Marvel has partnered with theaters to offer collectibles like popcorn buckets and drink containers, which are expected to sell out quickly. These limited-edition items, along with traditional concessions, are major revenue drivers for theaters.
A Critical Exit for Marvel
“Deadpool & Wolverine” is also a pivotal release for the MCU. Disney has been cutting back on the franchise’s releases, looking to recover from recent underperforming films and oversaturation of streaming content. Box Office Theory founder Shawn Robbins explained, “This film is as much a Marvel movie as it is a midsummer action comedy with beloved characters. Reynolds and Jackman are a perfect pair, and there’s genuine curiosity about how the first R-rated MCU film will end.”