LOS ANGELES − Deadpool might not consider himself a superhero, but its latest instalment is off to a powerful start.
The Marvel Comics film from 20th Century Fox debuted in North American with $125 million in 4,349 locations. That wasn’t enough to match the debut of its predecessor, 2016’s Deadpool, which had the biggest opening ever for an R-rated film with $132.4 million. The Ryan Reynolds-starrer bowed overseas with $176 million for a global weekend total of $301 million.
Although it debuted under estimates, Deadpool 2’s launch was nothing to complain about. It still secured the second-best opening for an R-rated film, as well as the third-biggest debut of the year behind Marvel blockbusters Avengers: Infinity War and Black Panther. It also secured Fox its second-highest opening weekend in history.
The sequel is still boasting a promising critical consensus, with an 84 per cent Rotten Tomatoes rating and an A CinemaScore.
Deadpool 2’s strong debut is a testament to Reynolds, according to Fox’s president of domestic distribution Chris Aronson.
“I just can’t say enough about him,” Aronson said. “Not just the character, but promoting it. I feel great about this opening.”
Its opening was enough to crush Avengers: Infinity War’s reign on the domestic box office. After securing the No. 1 spot for three weeks, the Disney and Marvel superhero tentpole dropped to second place. Its fourth weekend haul was still impressive, reeling in $29 million from 4,002 screens. Infinity War’s domestic tally currently sits at $595.4 million. (Reuters)
