“Deadpool & Wolverine” broke the preview record for an “R” or “restricted” rated film — a rating that is reserved for those 17 and older with the guidance of a parent or guardian. An “R” rating is typically given to films that contain elements of profanity, violence, sensuality and other bad behavior that could impact young people.
The comic book adaptation was launched on Thursday (24/7). The film managed to sell 38.5 million dollars worth of cinema tickets for the first day of screenings alone. Meanwhile, throughout last weekend, the film's screenings in 4,200 American and Canadian theaters earned more than $205 million.
The previous record holder for an “R”-rated film was Fox's 20th Century Studios' “Deadpool 2” in May 2018. Upon its initial release, “Deadpool 2” made $18.6 million, and in its opening weekend it grossed $125.5 million.
But now “Deadpool & Wolverine” is following in the footsteps of “Star Wars: The Rise of the Skywalker” which earned $40 million and “Avengers: Infinity War” which earned $39 million on its first day of screening.
“Deadpool & Wolverine” has indeed been long-awaited by audiences and cinema owners, especially after the decline in box office achievements of up to 17 percent since 2023. Associated Press reported that part of the decline was due to the ripple effects of the actors' strike affecting release schedules and the lack of quality big films. Compared to pre-pandemic 2019, film revenues at the 2024 box office are down more than 34 percent.
“Deadpool & Wolverine” is also the first Marvel film of the summer, a crucial 123-day stretch for Hollywood that often accounts for about 40% of the annual box office total. Unlike most summers in the last decade, this year’s summer doesn’t start with a Marvel blockbuster, which has seen its business ebb and flow since the pandemic.
Positive reviews and high fan enthusiasm have the film projected to continue to break more records during its screenings this summer.
In addition to U.S. and Canadian theaters, “Deadpool & Wolverine” is also playing in 48 other countries where its two-day haul – last Thursday and Friday – reached $64.8 million. It is not yet known how much it earned over the weekend worldwide. (em/jm)
