Deadpool & Wolverine smashes records with unprecedented $438M debut

Nobody doubted that "Deadpool & Wolverine" would succeed in theaters. The only unknown was its scale. Did the predictions come true? Not entirely. The comic book adaptation achieved a significantly better result than even the most optimistic forecasts.

In the first three days of showing, "Deadpool & Wolverine" earned $438.3 million worldwide. In the United States, the film featuring Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman became the first R-rated title in history (persons under 17 may view the film only with a parent or adult guardian) to rake in over $200 million during its opening weekend (specifically $205 million). The previous record was the first "Deadpool" and was only $133.7 million.

"Deadpool & Wolverine" achieved the best opening in the last three years. Among films from the current season, it surpassed "Inside Out 2" (which started at $154.2 million), as well as "Dune: Part Two." The adult-oriented comic book production destroyed its competitors. In one day, it earned more money than Frank Herbert's novel's adaptation over the entire weekend ($82.5 million in revenue).

Among all films on the all-time leaderboard, "Deadpool & Wolverine" landed in the 8th position. On Friday, when it earned $96 million, it ranked even higher (6th place) in the listing of record opening day results, but it was known that on Saturday and Sunday, it would lose ground to films aimed at a younger audience.

1. "Avengers: Endgame" (2019) – $357.1 million.

2. "Spider-Man: No Way Home" (2021) – $260.1 million.

3. "Avengers: Infinity War" (2018) – $257.6 million.

4. "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" (2015) – $247.9 million.

5. "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" (2017) – $220 million.

6. "Jurassic World" (2015) – $208.9 million.

7. "Avengers" (2012) – $207.4 million.

8. "Deadpool & Wolverine" (2024) – $205 million.

The decision by the creators of "Deadpool & Wolverine" to collaborate with actors who appeared in older Marvel comic book adaptations, even before Marvel started producing films on its own, turned out to be a brilliant move. It was something fans had been waiting for years. The tremendous enthusiasm surrounding the appearance of Jennifer Garner (Elektra), Chris Evans (Johnny Storm), Wesley Snipes (Blade), and Tyler Mane (Sabretooth) testifies to the cultural phenomenon of the Marvel comic universe.

A dream come true. I was a teenager when I first saw Garner in the Elektra costume. I waited two long decades for her return. She is still the sexiest comic book heroine. I'm glad she appeared in this film, which is a great homage to the early productions featuring Marvel heroes, wrote a critic at "Decider."

Let's recall that Elektra debuted in the 2003 film "Daredevil". Its star was Ben Affleck, but Garner's character became so popular with viewers that she, not Daredevil, became the star of the next film. Unfortunately, the 2005 "Elektra" release failed, which slightly delayed the start of filming "Hulk" and "Iron Man," movies that launched the Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, the female character was appreciated years later and returned to one of the greatest blockbusters in cinema history. "Deadpool & Wolverine" can earn up to $1.5 billion.