According to NRG, Screen Engine, and other box office tracking services, the upcoming Disney/Marvel Studios’ movie, Deadpool & Wolverine, is expected to have a domestic opening of $160 million-$165 million. This projection would not only make it the best opening year-to-date but also set a new record for the best start for an R-rated movie. Despite these impressive numbers, it is important to note the discrepancies in projections, such as the $200 million projection previously reported by Quorum. However, even if the actual opening falls short of this projection, the movie is still anticipated to have a strong start.
One critical aspect that many tracking services seem to be overlooking is the potential walk-up business from Latino and Hispanic moviegoers. This demographic has shown to be a significant contributor to box office success in recent years, and their impact should not be underestimated. Deadpool & Wolverine has the potential to surpass current expectations, especially if it can attract a diverse audience beyond the traditional target demographic.
Currently, presales for Deadpool & Wolverine are at $19 million, which is slightly behind other Marvel movies like Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, but ahead of films like Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Despite being a very male-oriented movie, Disney is making efforts to broaden its appeal to female audiences as well. The recent social media post by Ryan Reynolds, channeling Taylor Swift’s Evermore album cover, has sparked rumors of a possible appearance by the singer in the film. This innovative marketing strategy could help draw in a wider audience.
As part of the movie’s promotional campaign, Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman have begun a global tour, with their first stop being in Shanghai for a fan event and photo call. This international promotion is essential for building anticipation and generating buzz for the film ahead of its release. The presence of the two lead actors in key markets like China demonstrates the studio’s commitment to making Deadpool & Wolverine a global success.
While the box office tracking services offer valuable insights into the potential performance of Deadpool & Wolverine, it is crucial to consider factors like audience diversity and global marketing strategies when evaluating the film’s prospects. The movie’s success will depend not only on its domestic box office opening but also on its ability to resonate with a wide range of viewers worldwide.