Marvel’s latest superhero blockbuster, Deadpool & Wolverine, continues its record-breaking run at the global box office. Having played in theaters worldwide for nearly two months, the film has now crossed a monumental milestone, cementing itself as a cinematic powerhouse. This unlikely duo—Deadpool and Wolverine—has not only revived Marvel’s fortunes but also set a new standard for R-rated superhero films, surpassing many industry expectations.
As of this weekend, Deadpool & Wolverine has grossed an astounding $1.305 billion globally. With $621 million coming from domestic markets and another $683 million from international territories, the film is inching closer to overtaking Black Panther’s $1.33 billion lifetime haul. This puts Deadpool & Wolverine in contention to join the exclusive ranks of the highest-grossing films of all time, both within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and in global cinema history.
A Record-Breaking Journey
Deadpool & Wolverine has shattered several records since its release, becoming the highest-grossing R-rated film of all time. The film has surpassed the lifetime gross of previous R-rated blockbusters, further proving that audiences are hungry for mature, gritty superhero content. The success of this film is a testament to Marvel’s ability to blend humor, action, and mature themes in a way that resonates with fans around the world.
The film’s box office performance places it as the second-biggest hit of 2024, trailing only Spider-Man: No Way Home. This weekend’s earnings have also propelled Deadpool & Wolverine past other notable box office giants, including Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom ($1.308 billion) and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows — Part 2 ($1.312 billion), securing its position as one of the top 20 highest-grossing films globally.
Climbing the MCU Rankings
With its impressive global haul, Deadpool & Wolverine has now outperformed all but five MCU films. The film is currently behind Black Panther ($1.33 billion), Avengers: Age of Ultron ($1.4 billion), The Avengers ($1.5 billion), Spider-Man: No Way Home ($1.9 billion), Avengers: Infinity War ($2 billion), and Avengers: Endgame ($2.7 billion). Given the film’s steady box office trajectory, it is expected to surpass Black Panther in the coming days, further solidifying its status as a top-tier Marvel blockbuster.
The success of Deadpool & Wolverine is particularly significant for Marvel, as it comes at a time when the studio has faced challenges in recent years. Following the pandemic, Marvel’s dominance at the box office had waned, with films like The Marvels struggling to perform. Additionally, the studio faced internal upheaval, including the conviction of star Jonathan Majors, which forced Marvel to drastically reshape its future plans. The success of Deadpool & Wolverine has helped to revitalize the studio’s standing, marking a triumphant return to form for Marvel.
A Strategic Release Pays Off
Disney’s decision to keep Deadpool & Wolverine in theaters and avoid an early release on digital platforms has proven to be a winning strategy. The film’s extended theatrical run has contributed significantly to Disney’s box office revenue, with the studio crossing the $4 billion mark in 2024 thanks largely to the success of Deadpool & Wolverine and Inside Out 2. The strong box office performance of Deadpool & Wolverine underscores the continued demand for in-theater movie experiences, particularly for high-stakes, action-packed blockbusters.
Critical and Audience Acclaim
In addition to its box office success, Deadpool & Wolverine has been met with widespread acclaim from both critics and audiences. The film currently holds a 95% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, reflecting the overwhelmingly positive reception from fans. The movie’s unique blend of humor, action, and character-driven storytelling has resonated with viewers, many of whom were eagerly anticipating the first MCU appearance of both Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds) and Wolverine (Hugh Jackman).
Director Shawn Levy masterfully brought together these two iconic characters, with Reynolds and Jackman delivering standout performances. Fans were particularly excited to see the chemistry between the two actors, as both characters are known for their sharp wit and no-nonsense approach to heroism. The dynamic between Deadpool’s irreverent, fourth-wall-breaking humor and Wolverine’s gruff, stoic demeanor provided the perfect balance of levity and intensity, making the film a fan-favorite in the superhero genre.
What’s Next for Marvel?
With Deadpool & Wolverine continuing to dominate the box office, Marvel’s future looks brighter than ever. The film’s success has opened up new possibilities for the MCU, particularly in terms of expanding the universe with more mature, R-rated content. As Marvel continues to explore new storylines and characters, fans can expect more surprises and groundbreaking films in the years to come.
Looking ahead, Deadpool & Wolverine is expected to challenge Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi ($1.325 billion) at the global box office, and it could potentially climb even higher in the rankings. As the film nears the $1.33 billion mark, it’s clear that the unlikely pairing of Deadpool and Wolverine has struck a chord with audiences worldwide, ensuring its place in cinematic history.
Deadpool & Wolverine has proven to be a massive success, both commercially and critically. With its record-breaking box office performance, strong audience reception, and the return of two beloved Marvel characters, the film has set a new standard for superhero movies. As it continues to climb the global box office charts, Deadpool & Wolverine stands as a testament to Marvel’s ability to innovate and captivate audiences with fresh, exciting stories. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the MCU, Deadpool & Wolverine is a must-see cinematic experience that delivers on all fronts.