Marvel Studios' latest superhero blockbuster, Deadpool & Wolverine, has crossed the $1 billion mark at the global box office, making it the second film of 2024 to achieve this milestone. With approximately $925 million in receipts heading into its third weekend, the film is on track to surpass this target with ease.
Directed by Shawn Levy and starring Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman, Deadpool & Wolverine is expected to rake in at least $55 million in North America and over $60 million from international markets this weekend. This surge in ticket sales will propel the film's total earnings to around $1.03 billion by the end of the weekend.
Currently, Deadpool & Wolverine holds the title of the top live-action movie of 2024, closely followed by Dune: Part Two. However, the reigning champion of the year is Inside Out 2, which has amassed an impressive $1.56 billion globally.
While Inside Out 2 continues to dominate the box office, Deadpool & Wolverine is set to become the 11th highest-grossing Marvel Studios release in its 17-year history. The film is also climbing the ranks in the R-rated box office category, aiming to surpass 2019's Joker as the second-highest-grossing R-rated film.
On the other hand, the PG-13 adaptation of the video game series, Borderlands, has struggled to make an impact at the box office, with poor reviews and lackluster audience reception hindering its performance. Despite initial expectations, Borderlands is forecasted to earn only $10-12 million over the weekend.
Looking ahead, Alien: Romulus is poised to enter the theatrical arena as the next potential challenger, with high anticipation and fan excitement surrounding its release. However, with Disney's strong presence in the box office landscape, all upcoming releases are essentially playing on the same team.
As the cinematic landscape continues to evolve, the success of Deadpool & Wolverine underscores the enduring appeal of superhero films, while also highlighting the challenges faced by other genre offerings in the competitive market.
