Deadpool & Wolverine has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the highest-grossing R-rated movie in global cinema history, surpassing the previous record-holder, Joker. The Marvel sequel crossed the $1.3 billion mark last weekend and is expected to exceed Joker's earnings by Thursday.
The superhero collaboration between Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman has outperformed Joaquin Phoenix's portrayal of the Joker, setting a high bar for their upcoming rematch in October. The introduction of Lady Gaga's Harley Quinn in Joker: Folie à Deux promises to intensify the competition further.
While there may be a slight discrepancy in the final international box office figures due to early screenings of other films, Deadpool & Wolverine is anticipated to secure its position at the top of the R-rated charts. The success of both franchises could potentially dominate the top spots on the all-time worldwide R-rated list.
Joker's unexpected success in 2019, with a massive $247 million opening weekend and a final global gross of $1.0789 billion, set a high standard for its sequel. The critical acclaim and accolades received by the film, including an Oscar win for Joaquin Phoenix, have raised expectations for Joker: Folie à Deux.
The competition from other highly anticipated films like Venom: The Last Dance and Smile 2 poses a challenge for Joker's sequel in maintaining its momentum at the box office. The modern era of cinema emphasizes the importance of sustained momentum, which could determine the success of Joker: Folie à Deux in surpassing its predecessor's earnings.
Despite the fierce competition, Deadpool & Wolverine continues to perform strongly at the box office, with projections indicating a potential gross of $1.2 billion or higher. The ongoing success of both franchises suggests a future rematch that could further shape the R-rated box office landscape.
Overall, the battle for the top spot on the R-rated charts between Deadpool & Wolverine and Joker: Folie à Deux is poised to continue, with potential sequels and new releases adding complexity to the competition in the coming years.
