Deadpool 2 is poised to be one of this summer’s biggest box office hits, though its current projections are a bit below the original film. Ryan Reynolds finally realized his dream project in 2016, bringing the Merc with a Mouth to the big screen in all his R-rated glory. At one point, a faithful Deadpool adaptation may have seemed like a risk, but the results proved the gamble was well worth it. Not only did the first movie receive positive reviews (and even a little awards buzz), it was a commercial juggernaut - becoming the highest-grossing R-rated film of all-time.
Obviously, Fox was quick to forge ahead on developing a franchise around Wade Wilson, and the sequel is right around the corner. While Deadpool 2’s predecessor took advantage of limited competition in February, this year’s installment secured prime summer movie season real estate with a May premiere date. The studio has confidence in the tentpole to deliver the goods, and it looks like it definitely will.
Per Box Office Pro, the long-range tracking for Deadpool 2 suggests it will earn an even $100 million in its first three days. In comparison, the first film grossed a then record-breaking $132 million in its debut ($152.1 million for the 4-day Presidents Day holiday). Based on the estimates, Deadpool 2 could end its domestic run with a total of $242 million, a figure that’s considerably less than the $363 million Deadpool pulled in. While that discrepancy is eye-catching, it isn’t anything to worry about.
In comparison to other major franchises, Deadpool is fairly cost-effective. The first film sported a production budget of just $58 million, and while the followup looks to have more resources behind it, it’ll still likely be in the same ballpark (since that’s Deadpool’s brand). $242 million in addition to whatever Deadpool 2 makes internationally is more than enough to turn a tidy profit and ensure the continuation of the series. As for why there’s such a large gap between entries, it probably has something to do with the release window. Deadpool 2 comes out shortly after Avengers: Infinity War and one week before Solo: A Star Wars Story, which are all targeting similar audiences. The interest in Deadpool, while still there, may not be quite as high with everything else coming out.
All in all, this is a great development for Fox, given their big plans for the future. Deadpool 2 is very explicitly setting up X-Force, a film that could enter production as early as this fall with Reynolds and Josh Brolin returning. Domino actress Zazie Beetz also has a three-movie deal with the studio, meaning Fox hopes to keep her around for the long haul. Fortunately, it looks like the Deadpool franchise is just getting started. While the other X-Men films have numerous questions surrounding them, Wade Wilson and friends are in great shape.
MORE: What the Hell Is Going on With the X-Men Franchise?
Source: Box Office Pro
- Deadpool 2 Release Date: 2018-05-18 X-Men: Dark Phoenix Release Date: 2019-06-07 New Mutants Release Date: 2020-08-28
