With the potent combination of sensational cameos, off-color jokes, and the most ambitious globe-trotting marketing blitz ever, Deadpool & Wolverine concluded its opening weekend with a roar.
The threequel, now part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe after Disney bought Twentieth Century Fox, pooled $211 million in its North American debut. With that, the film becomes the first ever R-rated film to open upward of $200 million. It is now the all-time highest domestic opening for an R-rated movie and sixth highest opening weekend overall, edging out Black Panther’s $202 million gross. Worldwide, the film has collected $444.3 million. In its first week, the film easily cruised past the lifetime collection of the last big superhero tentpole, Aquaman and The Lost Kingdom’s $434.4 million.
The Shawn Levy-directed film is arguably the most anticipated film of 2024. The return of Hugh Jackman as Wolverine and the possibility of the X-Men joining the MCU give the film a huge boost heading into the release. The momentum is seized so excellently by lead star Ryan Reynolds, who helps mount the biggest promotional campaign for the film. Reynolds, also a producer and co-writer of the movie, took Jackman on a trip around the world. They appeared on a Euro 2024 match in Germany, made a cameo on K-Pop band Stray Kids’ music video, went on Hot Ones, had a Chicken Shop Date, and participated in about a million interviews – all to promote the film. This level of unprecedented promo can only be rivaled by last summer’s Barbenheimer, especially Barbie’s pink invasion of tie-ins and programmings.
As Deadpool & Wolverine’s global rollout continues, there is no telling how high the reach will go. The film now contends for the #1 biggest grosser of 2024, currently held by Inside Out 2 with its surprisingly massive $1.5 billion (and counting). The mouthy marksman certainly has what it takes to hit that target.