Entertainment
‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ Sets New Record with $38.5 Million in Thursday Previews
Disney and Marvel’s latest cinematic venture, “Deadpool & Wolverine,” has made a remarkable entrance, raking in $38.5 million during Thursday previews. This impressive figure sets the film on track for a domestic debut exceeding $150 million, positioning it as a record-breaking release for an R-rated film.
As one of the most highly anticipated releases of 2024, “Deadpool & Wolverine” marks a significant milestone in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) as the first R-rated film within the comic book franchise. The preview earnings rank as the 8th largest ever, and the highest for any R-rated release to date.
Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst at Comscore, emphasized the importance of Thursday previews, stating, “Thursday previews have become an integral part of the release strategy for most major studio releases. They not only provide early access to eager fans but also serve as a key indicator of the potential opening weekend box office to the studios, analysts, and journalists alike.”
Fans of blockbuster comic book and franchise films often flock to Thursday night showings to experience the film ahead of its official release and to avoid spoilers. These preview numbers are included in Friday’s box office totals and are counted as part of a film’s three-day opening weekend tally.
“Deadpool & Wolverine” is expected to achieve between $160 million and $180 million at the domestic box office during its debut weekend. This film represents the 34th installment in the MCU and the first to receive an R-rating from the Motion Picture Association. The previous two Deadpool films, both rated R, were initially produced and released through 20th Century Fox. Disney’s acquisition of the company in 2019 integrated the X-Men and Fantastic Four into the broader Marvel portfolio.
As the first MCU film release since November of last year, “Deadpool & Wolverine” stands out as the only Marvel Studios release for 2024. Looking ahead, there are four MCU films scheduled for 2025, with additional releases planned for 2026 and 2027.
Sean “Diddy” Combs, the imprisoned rapper and music mogul, is expected to face more than 10 additional civil lawsuits in the coming days, according to attorney Tony Buzbee, who represents multiple accusers.
Buzbee made the announcement while filing a fresh lawsuit in New York on behalf of an unnamed 23-year-old male accuser. The plaintiff alleges he was drugged and sexually assaulted by Combs in 2015 after performing at a nightclub event the rapper attended. According to the lawsuit, the young performer was hoping to secure a deal with Combs’ record label, Bad Boy Records, when he was invited to an afterparty. He claims he was given a drink that left him disoriented and later woke up to being assaulted.
Combs, who is already facing more than 30 civil lawsuits over similar allegations, has consistently denied any wrongdoing. He is also awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking and racketeering charges, to which he has pleaded not guilty. His legal team has not yet responded to the latest allegations.
Buzbee, a high-profile Texas attorney, has been instrumental in multiple cases against Combs over the past year. He stated that he intends to file more than 10 additional lawsuits before the March 1 deadline for New York’s special law, which temporarily allows victims of past sexual abuse to file civil claims regardless of expired statutes of limitations.
Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu, best known for her role in the iconic 2001 drama Meteor Garden, has passed away at the age of 48 due to pneumonia, local media report.
Hsu, one of the most recognized stars in the Mandarin-speaking entertainment industry, gained widespread fame across Asia, with Meteor Garden captivating audiences in the Philippines, Indonesia, and Thailand, where it was dubbed into local languages.
The news of her passing has left fans devastated, with millions expressing their shock online. “I can’t believe it,” wrote one Weibo user, echoing the sentiments of many.
Hsu reportedly fell ill while visiting Japan, where she was vacationing with her family during Lunar New Year. Her sister, Dee Hsu, confirmed the news to Taiwan’s TVBS News on Monday.
“During the Lunar New Year, our family came to Japan for vacation. My dearest sister Barbie has unfortunately left us after getting pneumonia, triggered by influenza,” Dee Hsu shared in a statement through her manager.
Barbie Hsu had a history of epilepsy and heart disease, and she had been hospitalized previously due to seizures.
She leaves behind her husband, South Korean singer DJ Koo, as well as two children from her previous marriage to Chinese businessman Wang Xiaofei, whom she divorced in 2021 after ten years of marriage.
Hsu’s passing marks a heartbreaking loss for the Asian entertainment industry, with fans and colleagues mourning the end of an era for a star who helped define a generation of television romance.
Beyoncé has finally secured the coveted Album of the Year award at the 67th Grammy Awards, correcting what many saw as a long-standing injustice. The singer was honored for Cowboy Carter, her groundbreaking album that explores the Black roots of country music.
Having been passed over for the Grammys’ top prize four times before, Beyoncé’s moment of triumph was met with a standing ovation. She embraced her daughter Blue Ivy and husband Jay-Z before taking the stage in a gold paisley dress.
“I just feel very full and very honored,” she said. “It’s been many, many years.”
She dedicated the win to Linda Martell, a trailblazing Black country artist and the first Black woman to perform solo at the Grand Ole Opry. Martell’s influence is deeply woven into Cowboy Carter, with her voice appearing throughout the album.
Beyoncé’s victory comes 25 years after her first Grammy nomination with Destiny’s Child. Despite becoming the most-awarded artist in Grammys history—with a record 35 wins—she had never won Album of the Year until now.
The Texas-born artist’s genre shift proved historic. Cowboy Carter, the second in a trilogy exploring America’s musical heritage, has been praised for reshaping the narrative around country and Americana.
Beyoncé also becomes the first Black woman to win Album of the Year since Lauryn Hill’s The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill in 1999, marking a milestone moment in Grammy history.
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