Marvel’s latest blockbuster, Deadpool & Wolverine, has shattered records with an impressive $205 million opening weekend in North American theaters. This marks the largest debut for an R-rated film, surpassing the previous record held by the original Deadpool ($132 million).
Globally, the film has raked in an additional $233.3 million from 52 international markets, bringing its worldwide total to over $438.3 million. This debut positions Deadpool & Wolverine as the 8th highest opening of all time, slotting between The Avengers ($207.4 million) and Black Panther ($202 million), and pushing Avengers: Age of Ultron ($191.3 million) out of the top 10.
With its massive success, the film has also become the biggest July opening ever, overtaking 2019’s The Lion King ($191.8 million) and surpassing Disney’s Inside Out 2 ($154.2 million), which had previously held the top spot for the year.
The movie’s performance is particularly notable given its R-rating, a category traditionally thought to have a lower box office ceiling compared to PG-13 films. The film’s success underscores a shift in audience preferences, with edgier content appealing to older teens and young adults.
Marvel’s Deadpool & Wolverine is directed by Shawn Levy and stars Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman. It is the 34th consecutive MCU movie to debut at number one, reflecting Marvel’s continued dominance in the box office despite recent challenges.
The top domestic openings of all time still belong to Avengers: Endgame ($357.1 million), followed by Spider-Man: No Way Home ($260.1 million), and other major hits.
The weekend also saw Twisters in second place with $35.3 million, Despicable Me 4 in third with $14.2 million, and Inside Out 2 in fourth with $8.3 million.
Overall, the box office this weekend reached $277.5 million, making it one of the top 10 domestic grossing weekends ever.
