The latest comic book film, 'Deadpool & Wolverine,' exceeded expectations with an impressive performance at the North American box office. Disney announced on Monday that the movie raked in a remarkable $211 million during its opening weekend, surpassing initial estimates by $6 million.
This achievement propels 'Deadpool & Wolverine' into a league of its own, setting a new record for the highest-grossing R-rated movie. The film, directed by Shawn Levy and starring Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman, now holds the sixth position for the highest opening weekend earnings of all time, outshining the 2015 release 'Jurassic World,' which debuted with $208.8 million.
Disney's dominance in the box office landscape is further solidified with 'Deadpool & Wolverine's' success, as the entertainment giant now claims five out of the six biggest opening weekends in history (excluding inflation). The company's impressive lineup includes two 'Avengers' films ('Endgame' and 'Infinity War') and two 'Star Wars' installments ('The Force Awakens' and 'The Last Jedi'). The only exception to Disney's reign is the second-place holder, 'Spider-Man: No Way Home,' a collaboration between Sony and Marvel Studios.
The exceptional performance of 'Deadpool & Wolverine' not only secured its position in the North American market but also propelled its global earnings to an impressive $444.3 million, surpassing 'Avatar: The Way of Water.'