Deadpool & Wolverine: A superhero duo smashing records

The self-proclaimed Marvel Jesus is back with a vengeance. Deadpool & Wolverine is dominating the box office, raking in a staggering $28.3 million on Friday alone. As this Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman superhero collaboration enters its second weekend, it has already surpassed a $300 million domestic total. This achievement places it as the second-highest-grossing domestic release of the year, outpacing heavyweights like Despicable Me 4 and Dune: Part Two.

A stronger hold than most superhero films

Unlike many superhero blockbusters that experience significant drops in their second weekends, Deadpool & Wolverine is showing remarkable staying power. Industry insiders predict only a 55% drop, indicating that the film’s appeal extends beyond just Marvel enthusiasts. The sequel continues to dominate premium large-format venues, including Imax auditoriums, further solidifying its stronghold on the box office.

Breaking records left and right

Deadpool & Wolverine is on track to break the record for the highest domestic gross ever for an R-rated feature, a title held for over 20 years by The Passion of the Christ ($370 million). With its current momentum, the film is expected to surpass this figure by the end of its second weekend, showing no signs of slowing down.

M. Night Shyamalan’s ‘Trap’ makes a solid debut

Meanwhile, M. Night Shyamalan’s latest thriller, Trap, is performing well, earning $6.7 million across Friday and preview screenings at 3,181 locations. This is a notable improvement over the $5.4 million opening day of his previous film, Knock at the Cabin, which debuted in February 2023. Trap, starring Josh Hartnett as a serial killer evading a police sting at a pop concert, is projected to secure a third-place debut with a three-day gross north of $15 million.

Mixed reviews and audience reception

Trap is largely self-financed by Shyamalan and distributed by Warner Bros. Despite mixed reviews and a “C+” grade from Cinema Score, the film’s solid start suggests it could maintain its momentum, at least in the short term.

‘Harold and the Purple Crayon’ struggles to find its audience

Opening this weekend after several delays, the children’s book adaptation Harold and the Purple Crayon is off to a slow start, earning just $2.4 million on its opening day from 3,325 locations. The family film is at risk of debuting outside the domestic top five, trailing behind the eighth weekend of Inside Out 2. With a production budget of $40 million, the Zachary Levi-led film faces an uphill battle, despite receiving an enthusiastic “A-” grade from early audiences.

A challenging road ahead

Poor reviews and a projected $6 million debut suggest that Harold and the Purple Crayon may struggle to find its footing. However, there’s still a chance it could draw in families throughout August, potentially leading to a more forgiving total gross.

‘Twisters’ maintains its momentum

Amblin’s Twisters continues to perform well in a crowded market, securing second place once again. The Universal release is projected to earn $22 million in its third weekend, marking a 37% drop from its sophomore outing. The natural disaster thriller has now surpassed Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes ($170 million) to become the eighth-highest-grossing domestic release of the year.

‘Despicable Me 4’ still drawing crowds

Universal also has another top-five slot with Despicable Me 4, which continues to attract audiences in its fifth weekend. The Illumination sequel is projected to earn $11.1 million over the three-day frame, marking a 24% drop. The film’s total domestic gross surpassed $300 million earlier this week, making it one of only three titles this year to achieve this milestone.

Final thoughts

The box office landscape is as dynamic as ever, with Deadpool & Wolverine leading the charge and setting new records. Meanwhile, films like Trap and Harold and the Purple Crayon face their own unique challenges and opportunities. As the summer continues, it will be fascinating to see how these films perform and what new surprises the box office has in store.

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