Deadpool & Wolverine has shattered records and joined an elite club, crossing the $1 billion mark in global ticket sales over the weekend, per cnbc.com. This milestone makes it only the second R-rated film in history to achieve such a feat, solidifying its place in cinematic history.
The Marvel blockbuster, starring Ryan Reynolds as the irreverent antihero Deadpool and Hugh Jackman reprising his iconic role as Wolverine, has been a juggernaut since its release. It now stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Warner Bros.’ Joker, which currently holds the crown as the highest-grossing R-rated film of all time with $1.078 billion.
As of Sunday, Deadpool & Wolverine has amassed an impressive $1.029 billion, putting it within striking distance of the top spot.
This third installment in the Deadpool franchise has already set several records, including the highest opening for any film in 2024 and the best debut ever for an R-rated movie. The film’s success is attributed to a combination of factors, including a clever marketing strategy, perfect release timing and relentless promotion by star Ryan Reynolds.
The movie’s triumph marks a significant win for Disney, which acquired 20th Century Fox in 2019, bringing Deadpool into the Marvel Cinematic Universe fold.
Deadpool & Wolverine joins Inside Out 2 as Disney’s second billion-dollar grosser this year, with analysts predicting more successes on the horizon. The studio’s upcoming slate, including “Moana 2” and a host of anticipated sequels, suggests a strong commitment to leveraging beloved franchises to recapture box office magic.