“Deadpool and Wolverine,” the highly anticipated third standalone feature starring Ryan Reynolds as the regenerating degenerate, is set to make a huge splash at the domestic box office during its debut weekend. It is expected to tally between $160 million and $180 million, making it the best ticket pre-seller of 2024, according to Fandango.
This film is not only breaking records for its pre-sales, but it’s also on track to set new records during its opening weekend. It is projected to have the highest domestic opening of 2024 and become the biggest debut ever for an R-rated film. The previous installment, “Deadpool 2,” opened with $125.5 million, and the first “Deadpool” film debuted with $132.4 million, the highest for any R-rated feature.
Mike Bowers, president and CEO of Harkins Theatres, a theater chain based in Arizona, confidently states, “I think no question this is going to open as the largest R-rated movie of all time.” He further adds that it is already one of the top pre-sale movies historically for the theater chain.
“Deadpool and Wolverine” is the 34th film to be released under the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) banner and the first to receive an R-rating from the Motion Picture Association. This is a significant milestone as it brings the X-Men and Fantastic Four, previously owned by 20th Century Fox, back into the larger Marvel portfolio under Disney’s ownership.
The film is benefitting from fan fervor, with audiences eager to see it in its opening weekend to avoid spoilers. Disney has kept much of the film’s content under wraps and limited press screenings prior to its debut. This strategy has created even more anticipation among viewers.
According to Ellis Jacob, president and CEO of Cineplex, the largest movie theater chain in Canada, “Deadpool and Wolverine” is filled with Easter eggs that audiences will want to discover, leading to repeat viewings. He also notes that many moviegoers are purchasing tickets for premium screenings, such as IMAX, Dolby, and ScreenX, which come at higher prices.
Marvel has also collaborated with movie theaters to license merchandise like collectible popcorn buckets and drink containers. These limited edition items are expected to sell quickly and contribute to higher food and beverage sales. Concessions have always been a significant revenue source for theaters, and exclusive merchandise further boosts these sales.
Aside from its box office success, “Deadpool and Wolverine” holds importance for the overall Marvel Cinematic Universe. Disney has recently scaled back on releases within the series, aiming to correct past missteps and poor box office results. The market has been flooded with streaming content, overwhelming even the most dedicated MCU fans. This film offers a refreshing midsummer action comedy with beloved personalities and brands. The collaboration between Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman, who have a strong presence in pop culture and engaging social media interactions, is highly anticipated. Additionally, there is genuine curiosity about how the MCU’s first R-rated film will uphold the qualities that made the previous Deadpool films and Jackman’s “Logan” so popular.
With its record-breaking pre-sales, high anticipation, and the star power of its cast, “Deadpool and Wolverine” is poised to make a significant impact at the box office and provide an entertaining and satisfying experience for both die-hard fans and casual viewers alike.
