Deadpool & Wolverine shatters records with £356m global debut

Nobody doubted that "Deadpool & Wolverine" would achieve spectacular cinema success. The only unknown was its scale. Did the predictions come true? Not entirely. The comic book adaptation achieved a significantly better result than even the most optimistic forecasts.

In the first three days of showing, "Deadpool & Wolverine" earned £356 million worldwide. In the United Kingdom, the production featuring Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman became the first R-rated title in history (persons under 18 may view the film only with an adult) to rake in over £162 million during its opening weekend (specifically £165 million). The previous record belonged to the first "Deadpool" and was only £107 million.

"Deadpool & Wolverine" achieved the best opening in the last three years. Among films from the current season, it surpassed "Inside Out 2" (which started at £124 million) and "Dune: Part Two." The adult-oriented comic book production destroyed its competitor. One day, it earned more money than Frank Herbert's novel's adaptation over the weekend (£66 million in revenue).

Among all films on the all-time leaderboard, "Deadpool & Wolverine" landed in the 8th position. On Friday, when it earned £77 million, it was ranked even higher (6th place) in the listing of record opening day results, but it was known that on Saturday and Sunday, it would lose ground to films aimed at a younger audience.

1. "Avengers: Endgame" (2019) – £290 million.

2. "Spider-Man: No Way Home" (2021) – £212 million.

3. "Avengers: Infinity War" (2018) – £209 million.

4. "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" (2015) – £201 million.

5. "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" (2017) – £178 million.

6. "Jurassic World" (2015) – £170 million.

7. "Avengers" (2012) – £169 million.

8. "Deadpool & Wolverine" (2024) – £165 million.

The decision by the creators of "Deadpool & Wolverine" to collaborate with actors who appeared in older Marvel comic book adaptations, even before Marvel started producing films on its own, turned out to be a brilliant move. It was something fans had been waiting for years. The tremendous enthusiasm surrounding the appearance of Jennifer Garner (Elektra), Chris Evans (Johnny Storm), Wesley Snipes (Blade), and Tyler Mane (Sabretooth) testifies to the cultural phenomenon of the Marvel comic universe.

A critic at "Decider" wrote that this movie is a dream come true. When he first saw Garner in the Elektra costume, he was a teenager and waited two long decades for her return. He's happy he appeared in this movie, which is a great homage to the early productions featuring Marvel heroes.

Let's recall that Elektra debuted in the 2003 film "Daredevil". Its star was Ben Affleck, but Garner's character became so popular with viewers that she, not Daredevil, became the star of the next film. Unfortunately, the 2005 "Elektra" release failed, which slightly delayed the start of filming "Hulk" and "Iron Man," movies that launched the Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, the female character was appreciated years later and returned to one of the greatest blockbusters in cinema history. "Deadpool & Wolverine" can earn up to £1.19 billion.