'Deadpool and Wolverine' set for highest opening of an R-rated film

The "Merc with a Mouth" returns to the big screen this weekend, and he's doing more than bringing an R-rating to Disney's Marvel Cinematic Universe.

"Deadpool and Wolverine," the third standalone 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 pre-seller of 2024, according to Fandango — and it's set to break a number of 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."

"Deadpool" (2016)

"Deadpool 2" (2018)

Source: Comscore

"Deadpool and Wolverine" is the 34th film to be released under the MCU banner and the first to garner an R-rating from the Motion Picture Association. The previous two Deadpool films, both rated R, were produced and released through 20th Century Fox. Disney acquired the company in 2019, bringing the X-Men and Fantastic Four back into the larger Marvel portfolio.

Like previous entries in the MCU, "Deadpool and Wolverine" is benefitting from fan fervor. Audiences are eager to see the flick in its opening weekend in order to avoid spoilers. Disney has kept much of the film's content secret and provided limited