‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ set for highest opening of an R-rated film

The “Merc with a Mouth” returns to the big screen this weekend, and he is doing more than bringing an R-rating to Disney’s

Marvel Cinematic Universe.

“Deadpool & Wolverine,” the third stand-alone feature starring Ryan Reynolds as the regenerating degenerate, is expected to tally between $160 million and $180 million at the domestic box office during its debut.

The film is already the best ticket preseller of 2024, according to Fandango, and it is set to break numerous records during its opening weekend. Those marks include the highest domestic opening of 2024 and the biggest debut ever for an R-rated film.

Disney and Pixar’s “Inside Out 2” is currently the highest opener of the year at $154.2 million and the first “Deadpool” film’s $132.4 million debut is the highest for any R-rated feature, according to data from Comscore.

“I think no question this is going to open as the largest R-rated movie of all time,” said Mike Bowers, president and CEO of Harkins Theatres, a theater chain based in Arizona. “And it’s already one of the top presale movies historically for us.”