Deadpool & Wolverine has emerged as one of the most commercially successful films in history, dwarfing the total box office earnings of another X-Men movie released by Fox in 2020. It is staggering to note that Deadpool & Wolverine’s gross exceeded that of the lesser-performing film by more than 28 times. Analyzing both films reveals key differences that account for this disparity and provides valuable context for understanding the success of Deadpool 3.
The X-Men franchise, although generally well-received, had an extensive run under Fox that included 14 total films, spanning spin-offs and reboots with fresh casts. Notably, among these, the least successful film turned out to be the most unconventional and daring. While its box office performance disappointed the studio, understanding the underlying factors sheds light on why this was the case.
Deadpool & Wolverine’s Critical & Box Office Success: A Landmark in Superhero Cinema
Audience Reception: 98% on Rotten Tomatoes and Over a Billion at the Box Office
In the lead-up to its release, I was skeptical about Deadpool & Wolverine’s potential success. Though its incredible box office performance now seems inevitable, superhero films had faced challenges in recent years, and the X-Men brand had lost some of its luster. However, audiences eagerly embraced this new entry, which eventually outperformed even the most highly regarded X-Men film, securing its place as the highest-grossing R-rated movie to date.
|
Release Date |
Film |
Budget |
Opening Weekend |
Domestic Box Office |
Worldwide Box Office |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
July 26, 2024 |
Deadpool & Wolverine |
$200,000,000 |
$211,435,291 |
$636,745,858 |
$1,338,071,348 |
|
May 18, 2018 |
Deadpool 2 |
$110,000,000 |
$125,507,153 |
$324,591,735 |
$786,362,370 |
|
February 12, 2016 |
Deadpool |
$58,000,000 |
$132,434,639 |
$363,070,709 |
$781,947,691 |
The third installment in the Deadpool saga marked a significant resurgence for the franchise, raking in an astonishing $1.3 billion, surpassing even the most optimistic forecasts. This triumph not only serves as a commendation for the X-Men legacy and the Marvel Cinematic Universe as a whole but also underscores the enduring popularity of superhero films, provided they are crafted with care and creativity.
A Stark Contrast: Deadpool & Wolverine vs. Fox’s Lowest-Grossing X-Men Film
The New Mutants: A Disappointing $47 Million Worldwide
My initial disbelief in Deadpool & Wolverine’s success may have been influenced by the dire box office performance of The New Mutants, the last X-Men film preceding it. This production, which presented a fresh lineup of mutants in an unconventional setting, failed to resonate with audiences, grossing a mere $47,535,251. Originally envisioned as a horror film, The New Mutants blended elements of fantasy and action, but its execution left much to be desired.
Despite my appreciation for The New Mutants, it came off as a convoluted experience. The characters, including the standout performance of Anya Taylor-Joy as Magik, had the potential for much greatness—potential I still hope to see realized in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) sometime in the future. However, the poor reception of The New Mutants makes such prospects seem unlikely, especially when compared to the overwhelming success of Deadpool & Wolverine.
The Factors Behind the Box Office Divide: Deadpool & Wolverine vs. The New Mutants
Contrasting Conditions and Audience Expectations
The underperformance of The New Mutants can be attributed to its problematic release strategy and the tumult of the Fox acquisition by Disney in 2019. Anticipated reshoots never took place, leaving the film in a lurch. Its staggered launch during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, combined with minimal marketing and a low Rotten Tomatoes critic score of 36%, undoubtedly hurt its visibility and reception.
Contrastingly, Disney was determined to ensure the success of Deadpool & Wolverine, pouring substantial resources into its promotion. This film was not just a box-office gamble but a nostalgic trip back to the roots of Fox’s superhero saga, featuring fan-favorite characters and a plethora of Easter eggs and cameos. Its timely release coincided with a resurgence in theater attendance, allowing it to hit all the right notes and resonate deeply with audiences.
While a myriad of factors contribute to a film’s fortunes, hindsight allows us to dissect what worked for Deadpool & Wolverine and what fell flat for The New Mutants. Ultimately, the former stands out as a stellar addition to the MCU, while the latter stumbled, reflecting the complex dynamics of today’s film industry. There’s still hope that the characters from The New Mutants might find new life in the MCU someday.