‘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.