Disney and Marvel’s “Deadpool & Wolverine” has raked in an impressive $38.5 million during Thursday previews, setting the stage for a potential domestic debut surpassing $150 million. This would mark a milestone as the highest opening weekend for an R-rated film in history. The movie is a highly anticipated addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe and serves as the first R-rated film within the comic book franchise.
According to Paul Dergarabedian, a senior media analyst at Comscore, Thursday previews have become an essential component of major studio releases’ marketing strategies. They not only cater to eager fans who crave early exposure to the latest blockbusters but also serve as a crucial gauge for predicting a film’s opening weekend box office performance.
Major comic book and franchise films often witness a surge in Thursday night ticket sales as fans flock to theaters to catch the movie during its opening weekend, aiming to avoid spoilers. Notable films with the highest Thursday night preview ticket sales include “Avengers: Endgame” with $60 million, “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” with $57 million, and “Spider-Man: No Way Home” with $50 million, among others.
It is projected that “Deadpool & Wolverine” will amass between $160 million and $180 million in the domestic box office, solidifying its position as the highest-grossing film of 2024. The movie’s R-rating, a first for the MCU, has not deterred moviegoers, and instead, it has generated curiosity and excitement among audiences.
As the 34th film released under the MCU banner, “Deadpool & Wolverine” signifies Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox, reintegrating popular characters like the X-Men and Fantastic Four into Marvel’s cinematic universe. While previous Deadpool films were R-rated, the transition to Disney has not compromised the edginess and appeal of the franchise.
With “Deadpool & Wolverine” being the sole Marvel Studios release in 2024 and a lineup of four MCU films in 2025, the future of the franchise appears bright. Unexpected developments, such as actor replacements and production delays, have not hindered Marvel’s ambitious plans for upcoming projects, with alterations potentially on the horizon post-San Diego Comic Con and Disney’s D23 Expo.
“Deadpool & Wolverine” exemplifies Disney and Marvel’s commitment to pushing boundaries and reinvigorating the superhero genre. The film’s unprecedented success in previews foreshadows a groundbreaking debut weekend, setting the stage for further innovation and creativity within the Marvel Cinematic Universe.