The atmosphere was electric at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con as fans were treated to a surprise screening of Deadpool & Wolverine. The film’s stars Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, Emma Corrin, along with the movie’s director/writer/producer Shawn Levy, joined Marvel Studios’ Kevin Feige on stage for an impromptu chat that had the audience in stitches. The anticipation in the air was palpable as fans were handed Wolverine popcorn buckets, hinting at the screening about to unfold. And to everyone’s delight, the D&W team stayed to watch the movie alongside the audience.
Marvel fans are in for a treat with the (technically) first R-rated movie in Disney’s Marvel Cinematic Universe. Early estimates are already predicting a record-breaking preview night with figures ranging between $35M-$40M+. This would easily surpass the previous record set by Deadpool 2 at $18.6M. Projections for the opening weekend box office are soaring, with expectations of $160M-$170M and the possibility of hitting $200M in just three days. This promising start is fueling speculation of an R-rated record for the Levy feature, surpassing Deadpool’s impressive opening record of $132.4M.
As the lights came up at the screening, the audience erupted in applause, giving the film a standing ovation. The star-studded cast and cameos, including Jennifer Garner, Channing Tatum, Wesley Snipes, Chris Evans, and Dafne Keen, were highlighted on stage, adding to the excitement of the night. Feige left fans with a teaser, suggesting they keep an eye on the San Diego skies for an expected drone show. The night was truly a celebration of cinema and fandom, marking the start of a festive tradition at the iconic San Diego Comic-Con.
With the overwhelming success and reception of Deadpool & Wolverine at Comic-Con, many are left wondering why Marvel Studios doesn’t premiere more films during the weekend. The buzz and excitement generated by the surprise screening have shown that launching a movie at Comic-Con can create a unique and unforgettable experience for fans. As the birthplace of California, San Diego Comic-Con has become a fitting stage for major movie premieres and industry announcements, setting the tone for an exciting year ahead in the world of entertainment.