Marvel's raunchy and violent Deadpool & Wolverine lit up box offices over the weekend with $US205 million ($A313 million) in US and Canadian ticket sales, the biggest domestic opening of the year, distributor Walt Disney said.
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The returns set a record for an R-rated film and topped the $US154.2 million ($A235.2 million) collected by another Disney film, the animated Pixar movie Inside Out 2, when it debuted in June.
Deadpool & Wolverine, the first R-rated Marvel film by Disney, stars Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool, a character known for sexually explicit jokes, swearing and violence. Australian Hugh Jackman plays Wolverine, a sharp-clawed mutant.
The movie opened in international markets on Wednesday and has brought in $US233.3 million ($A355.8 million) outside of the US and Canada, Disney said.
It is the second straight hit for Disney, which is rebounding from lacklustre performances in 2023 for movies such as The Marvels and Haunted Mansion.
The films have helped cinema chains such as AMC Entertainment, Cineworld and Cinemark that are grappling with a thin film slate in 2024. Several major titles were delayed because of strikes last year by Hollywood actors and writers.
Australian Associated Press
