Marvel’s ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ Sets Opening Day Record

LOS ANGELES >> The Marvel duo of “Deadpool & Wolverine” grossed $38.5 million at the U.S. and Canadian box office on Thursday in the film’s first showings, distributor Walt Disney said.

The early results, a record for an R-rated film, suggest Disney is set for its second straight box office success, heralding a turnaround for its film division.

The opening day number is the eighth highest ever, behind films like “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” and “Avengers: Infinity War.”

“Deadpool & Wolverine” is expected to claim the biggest domestic box office opening of 2024 on Sunday, according to industry analysts. U.S. and Canadian grosses through Sunday are expected to be between $175 million and $185 million, according to Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst at Comscore.

That would surpass “Inside Out 2,” the Disney animated film that premiered in June with $154.2 million.

“Deadpool & Wolverine,” Disney’s first R-rated Marvel film, stars Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool, a character known for his sexually explicit jokes, swearing and violence. Hugh Jackman plays Wolverine, a mutant with sharp claws.

The film opened internationally on Wednesday and has grossed $64.8 million outside the United States and Canada, Disney said.

Disney is rebounding from disappointing 2023 performances for films like ‘The Marvels’ and ‘Haunted Mansion.’