Marvel’s Deadpool & Wolverine has taken the box office by storm, achieving an extraordinary opening weekend that ranks as the eighth-biggest ever and the best of the year so far.
The third installment in the Deadpool series, starring Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool and Hugh Jackman as Wolverine, pulled in an impressive $205 million at the domestic box office, according to The Hollywood Reporter. This record-breaking performance also marks the highest-ever opening for an R-rated film, smashing the $134 million record previously set by the first Deadpool in 2016. Internationally, the film earned $233 million, bringing the total global opening to a staggering $438 million.
This success is a recovery from last year’s The Marvels, which had the lowest opening for a Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) film with just $47 million in its first weekend in the US. Deadpool & Wolverine not only became the highest domestic opening for both Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman but also achieved the highest domestic opening of 2024 and the highest July opening weekend ever.
On Instagram, Reynolds expressed his gratitude to fans, noting that the success was “kind of hard to process.” The film’s plot sees Deadpool attempting to leave behind his superhero past, only to become entangled with the MCU’s Time Variance Authority (TVA). This leads to an alliance with Wolverine as they strive to restore balance to the multiverse.
Critics have given mixed reviews, with some praising the film for rejuvenating the MCU. The Guardian’s three-star review claimed the film mocked the MCU, and Variety praised its nostalgic fan service. Despite mixed reactions to the special effects and action sequences, the film’s cameos and humor have been well-received.
Key Achievements of Deadpool & Wolverine:
- Highest R-rated opening worldwide and domestic with $444.1 million globally and $211 million domestically.
- Biggest global opening since Avatar: The Way of Water.
- Highest domestic opening for both Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman, surpassing Deadpool and X-Men: The Last Stand respectively.
- Highest July opening weekend ever at the domestic box office, surpassing The Lion King.
- 34th consecutive MCU release to debut at No. 1 at the domestic box office.
- 6th highest domestic opening weekend of all time.
- 4th highest superhero opening weekend of all time.
- Highest opening weekend ever for a U.S. R-rated release internationally.
However, Ryan Reynolds has said that Deadpool & Wolverine is meant to stand alone and not serve as a setup for future films. Taylor Swift also supported the film, calling Reynolds’ performance his best work to date.
