In a surprising development in the movie industry, “Deadpool & Wolverine,” starring Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds, has reclaimed the title as the highest-grossing R-rated film in history, a feat announced by Disney and Marvel Studios. On Thursday, the film surpassed Warner Bros.’ “Joker” at the global box office.
The film’s impressive financial results include a cumulation of $516.8 million from domestic markets and $568.8 million internationally, culminating in a global total of over $1.085 billion. This news comes just as a “Joker” sequel is set to hit theaters in October.
The success marks a significant turning point for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which has faced several hurdles in its recent outings. It highlights the potential for Marvel Studios to delve into more mature thematic content while maintaining its broad appeal to audiences.
Shawn Robbins, analyst and founder of Box Office Theory, commented on the film’s impact: “This triumph with their first R-rated adventure paves the way for future projects in this space for Disney and Marvel. The authenticity of the classification, essential to staying true to the characters, has resonated well with audiences, contributing to its widespread acceptance.”
Before Disney acquired the Deadpool franchise, it was known for its risqué content under 20th Century Fox. Fans were concerned about whether Disney would continue this trend. These concerns were put to rest when Marvel boss Kevin Feige confirmed in 2021 that the next Deadpool film would retain its R-rating. The film creatively engaged audiences by humorously involving corporate themes and playful nods to other Disney franchises.
Robbins added: “While Disney will likely be cautious with future releases of R-rated films, ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ has proven to be a valid model for when and how such films can succeed without compromising their appeal to their core family-oriented audience.”
Released in late July, “Deadpool & Wolverine” helped revive optimism around the MCU, especially after inconsistent performances by other titles such as “The Marvels,” which had underperformed in both box office and opening numbers.
The excitement extended beyond the box office, as Marvel used events like San Diego Comic-Con and D23 Expo to promote its upcoming films and exclusive previews, signaling a strategic shift to focus more on film than TV content on its streaming service, Disney+.
Among the most anticipated titles are:
- “Captain America: Brave New World” (2025)
- “Lightning*” (2025)
- “Fantastic Four: First Steps” (2025)
- “Blade” (2025)
- “Avengers: Judgment Day” (2026)
- “Avengers: Secret Wars” (2027)
Additionally, Marvel plans to launch three TV series in 2025: “Agatha All Along,” “Ironheart,” and “Daredevil: Born Again.”
The positive reception at Comic-Con and D23 indicates a sustained interest in superhero storytelling, a genre that has propelled the MCU to more than $30 billion in box office grosses since “Iron Man” debuted in 2008. This trend bodes well for the future of Marvel’s cinematic endeavors.
