Do you remember the Barbenheimer? The current box office clash between Blake Lively and her husband Ryan Reynolds’ movie is surely reminiscent of that cultural phenomenon from last year. Reynolds’ and Hugh Jackman starrer Deadpool & Wolverine stormed into the elite $1 billion club in just three weekends. But it’s none other than his wife Lively’s recent film It Ends With Us that beat D&W at the Friday box office.
Deadpool & Wolverine Entered The Elite Club Of $1 Billion
Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds in Deadpool & Wolverine (2024). Image Credit: Marvel Studios
The latest installment from Disney’s Marvel franchise, Deadpool & Wolverine, has recently joined the prestigious billion-dollar club, becoming one of the most successful films of 2024. With earnings of $494.3 million in North America and an additional $535.1 million internationally, the film’s total gross has reached a staggering $1.029 billion after 18 days. This achievement marks Deadpool & Wolverine as the second release of the year to surpass the billion-dollar threshold, following Disney’s Inside Out 2, which garnered $1.558 billion.
One of the film’s most notable accomplishments is its potential to surpass 2019’s Joker, which grossed $1.07 billion and remains the highest-grossing R-rated film in history. If Deadpool & Wolverine continues its upward trajectory, it is set to claim this title, further solidifying its place in cinematic history.
This success also marks a significant moment for Disney, as Deadpool & Wolverine becomes the 31st Disney film and the 11th movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) to reach the $1 billion milestone. This achievement is particularly important for the MCU, which has faced challenges with recent releases. Films like Eternals, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, and The Marvels have not met expectations, raising concerns about the longevity of the franchise. However, Deadpool & Wolverine has provided a much-needed boost, proving that the MCU still has the potential to deliver blockbuster hits.
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While recent MCU releases such as Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness ($956 million), Black Panther: Wakanda Forever ($859 million), and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 ($846 million) came close to the billion-dollar mark, Deadpool & Wolverine is only the second MCU film to surpass this milestone since 2019’s Avengers: Endgame. The earlier one was Sony’s Spider-Man: No Way Home, which earned $1.9 billion in 2021.
Although the movie’s growth rate is on par with other major Marvel hits, there is still uncertainty about how its R rating might impact its long-term box office performance. The coming weeks will reveal whether Deadpool & Wolverine can continue its ascent up the MCU charts. While it might not reach the same level of success as Spider-Man: No Way Home, which crossed the billion-dollar mark by the end of its second weekend, it is only a week behind that record-breaking film. This gives an indication that Deadpool & Wolverine could still climb higher, potentially securing a spot among the Top 5 MCU films of all time.
But, It Ends With Us has Gone past Deadpool & Wolverine At The Friday box Office
Blake Lively in It Ends with Us. Image Credit: SONY PICTURES ENTERTAINMENT INC.
This weekend has proven to be a thrilling showdown for the Hollywood power couple, Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively. Their respective films, the action-packed Deadpool & Wolverine and the romantic drama It Ends With Us, have engaged in an unexpected and intense competition for the coveted top spot at the box office.
Reynolds’ star-studded Deadpool & Wolverine continues its triumphant run, poised to dominate the box office for the third consecutive weekend with an estimated $54.5 million in ticket sales. However, Lively’s It Ends With Us is mounting a formidable challenge. Adapted from the bestselling novel by Colleen Hoover, the film has captivated audiences, particularly women, resulting in a stunning estimated opening weekend of $49.5 million (Via THR). This impressive figure is a testament to the film’s ability to connect with its target audience and convert book fans into moviegoers.
The romantic drama, which explores themes of love, loss, and resilience, has garnered mixed reviews from critics but has resonated deeply with viewers, as evidenced by its A- CinemaScore and overwhelmingly positive audience ratings. While the film’s critical reception may be divided, there is no doubt that its commercial success is undeniable.
This box office battle highlights the enduring power of both action and romance in captivating audiences. As the weekend unfolds, the industry will be watching closely to see if Deadpool & Wolverine can maintain its lead or if It Ends With Us can stage a surprise upset.
Regardless of the final outcome, the success of both films is a testament to the star power of Reynolds and Lively, as well as the enduring appeal of diverse storytelling.
Both Deadpool & Wolverine and It Ends With Us currently running in theaters.
