Ryan Reynolds FINALLY got a hit franchise. He’s been trying for years. And it finally happened for him with Deadpool! Going into the weekend, box-office analysts were trying to hedge their bets and say that Deadpool would do well, of course, but that it would probably make something like $55-65 million in its opening. Nope. Deadpool broke a ton of records to open with $135 million (and that’s just domestic B.O.). It’s the biggest opening for an R-rated film, biggest opening for a February release and biggest opening for Ryan in a starring role.
The foul-mouthed, extremely R-rated Wade Wilson is our newest record-breaking box office hero. Deadpool bowed to an estimated $135 million this weekend, becoming the first R-rated movie ever to break $100 million in its opening weekend. Already making back its $58 million production budget, the Ryan Reynolds-starring superhero flick sped past all expectations and could earn as much as $150 million over the four-day holiday weekend. That’s more than double initial predictions of about $65 million.
Deadpool also earned the biggest February opening weekend ever and demolished the President’s Day record set by Fifty Shades of Grey, which debuted last year to $85.2 million over three days and $93 million over four.
Reynolds spent years trying to convince studios that an R-rated superhero movie would work, and if Deadpool’s success is any indication, we should be seeing more of them soon. With an A CinemaScore, Deadpool is now 20th Century Fox’s biggest opening ever, and it surpassed the openings of PG-13-rated superhero movies like Man of Steel ($116.6 millon), Captain America: The Winter Soldier ($95 million), and Guardians of the Galaxy ($94.3 million). A Deadpool sequel hasn’t officially been announced, but Fox and the screenwriters have all but confirmed that it’s going to happen.
While comic-book movies are not my jam, and I’m meh on Ryan as a person for the most part, I’m happy that this turned out to be so successful. He really did spend years trying to make this happen, and he spent a lot of time and energy to promote this on social media and beyond. I’m glad it worked out for him and that he’s finally got his franchise.
Meanwhile, in the “sad clown noise” area of the box office, Zoolander 2 opened in fourth place behind Kung Fu Panda 3 and How To Be Single. Zoolander made $15.6 million over three days, which barely justifies the amount of money the studio spent on the promotional tour, you know? It didn’t help that once people actually watched the movie, they didn’t like it that much. The film got terrible reviews and it’s Certified Rotten on Rotten Tomatoes with 22%. Which made this little item in Page Six a little bit sad – apparently, at the NYC premiere last week, Jennifer Aniston was grilling industry types about how the box office tracking was doing.
Photos courtesy of WENN.
Really was great!
I could not agree more!! As a mom of two boys I’ve seen every comic book/action/spy/borne/bond/MI/taken movie imaginable. I just saw this last night with the teenagers and I actually laughed out loud many times. It was a great film and super funny quick humour you have to pay attention to. It also has a lot of fun fourth wall being broken. It is pretty gory, which I didn’t love and looked away at times. But even the filming was mind bending and done so well. And a super funny bit at the end credits riffing on ferris bueller. Very tongue in cheek.
A *high five* review from Little Darling!
(Perspective here, I am an indie/foreign film magnet, the more verbose the better. Action type movies and super hero movies – as enjoyable as they can be- are NOT my thing. Ever. (: )
“And a super funny bit at the end credits riffing on ferris bueller. Very tongue in cheek. ”
Spoiler alert…just kidding, you didn’t really give away much.
I loved it too! I was surprised I loved it so much. I was telling someone at Hot Topic (buying presents for my son’s birthday in a couple of weeks) that I enjoyed Deadpool far more than The Force Awakens.
As a somewhat DeadPool fan I don’t think it was that good. Deadpool does have a sense of humor but he’s better in the comics. I was waiting for Reynolds to get his chance at a solo film with Deadpool but it was a bit of a let down. I loved his small part in Wolverine Origins and his comedic timing was on point and humorous. I also loved the humor of his character in Blade Trinity. But his one liners in Deadpool bordered on the line of just corny. Too many times some of the scenes reminded me of KickAss.
That being said I’m glad he finally got a hit movie. I’m hoping the sequel that he hinted at with the post credit scene will be better. Not to give away any spoilers but I like the villain that he mentioned that will make an appearance.
Out of interest, how comparable is it to KickAss? I was a HUGE fan of the first KickAss film, thought it was fantastic. Sadly it was let down by its abysmal sequel.
I saw Deadpool and yes it was funny but I just don’t think Ryan Reynolds was a good choice. I’ve seen him in interviews and he’s a funny guy but I don’t think he has that ‘it’ factor on screen. He comes off bland to me. RR needed to be more charmingly smarmy.
Also I know they had to tone it down for the movie but he really is supposed to be hideous without the mask and he wasn’t anywhere near that. I knew they wouldn’t touch Deadpool’s odor issue but not conveying how awful he looks was a let down too.
@Eva the fight scenes and the way the villains died reminded me of KicKAss, also some of the humor. It just had a KickAss feel to it. IMO Aaron Taylor Johnson could have played Deadpool. But I do like Ryan and it should remain Ryan since he was the first one to bring the character to life in Wolverine Origins.
If you are a fan of Deadpool from the comics then how on earth did you like his part in Wolverine Origins? They completely f-cked over the character in that movie.
Thanks V4real, I’ll be interested to see deadpool now.
Zoolander looked terrible. I’m not a fan of Ben stiller anyway.
Yeah, I don’t see how it could shock anyone that it didn’t do well.
I didn’t realize it would be R rated. I might actually go see it. The Vanilla Superheros have been makin’ me Zzzzzzzzzzzz
My co-worker didn’t realize it either and brought her middle schooler and his friend along with her 17 year old. She said she was mortified but thinks most of it went over their heads.
…Geez, and this movie and all its promo made so much noise about how it wasn’t for kids and not to bring them. How did she miss all of that?
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA, I’m sorry but this is too funny to me. I’m European so I kinda feel sorry for the kid who had to see cut-off motorcyclist heads being kicked around and a whole bunch of other explicit violence, but that’s probably not what your co-worker is mortified about, is it? Now’s the time for her to find out if the jokes about anal fisting really went over her 17 year old’s head.
Oh and the movie was great! Subtle like a sledgehammer and what plot? but Ryan rocked it and carried the whole thing on his perfect comedic timing alone. He and the movie deserve all the records.
I think the only thing she knew in advance was that it was Marvel. I frankly knew nothing so I can see why she may have missed the promos, too. She did talk about wondering how much her 17 year old got. And no it wasn’t the violence she was mortified about…ugh.
I went with my husband on Friday and I kid you not, there was a guy who brought his very young son. I’m guessing the poor little guy was maybe 5 or 6? Its just so sad people like this exist. The movie was great and hilarious but its the posterchild of movies to never bring a kid to.
My eight year old (who LOVES Marvel movies and begs to see them) saw a trailer and told me it was “not for kids,” so it really amazes me when an adult doesn’t figure it out. And in this day and age, there is no way a teenager doesn’t get sexual references.
@Eternal side eye
I’ve read MANY comments on twitter with people utterly appalled at the number of children at Deadpool shows; as young as 5/6 year olds. How is the rating system not enforced more.
@Misti
It is. The five year old didn’t get in on their own. It has to be NC-17 for a theater to stop you from taking a minor in your care in with you, which is why the big chain theaters cut off their movies at R.
I saw it over the weekend, and I was horrified to see a couple had brought their very young children (i’m guessing 3 and 7 years old). The young one burst into tears during all the fight scenes. I’m not sure what the other one would have thought. A lot of the jokes would have gone over his head, but there was a lot of violence. I just don’t know what the patents were thinking! And didn’t the cinema staff warn them?
I think we will be going to see it today. I didn’t realize it was R rated. If Ryan was good in it, I am glad for him. He has seemed a little aimless for most of his career.
I actually glad for Ryan. We are going to see it tonight. I think they found the right formula. Adult films made for Adults. It seems to go against the usual Super Hero thing.. good I’m sick of those. I think it plays a bit like Guardians of the Galaxy; Another movie that surprised everyone.
Zoolander 2 looked terrible. Justin Theroux promoted this movie like he was the STAR. AND no most writers don’t do that; regardless of having a tiny role. That is why he is getting some of the negative. Reading some of the reviews and the things they were making fun of.. Fat kids .. yeah sounds hilarious. And they are still doing P&A on this. And people complain about movies not getting financing when something like this gets green lit; not to mention all the money they put in for P&A. I bet this movie’s budget is over 90 million. It looked so dated. Too many years between this and a film that wasn’t that big of a hit to begin with.
I’m sure they are working on the sequel to Deadpool and will announce it soon. Ryan should be feeling very good about this.
Just found out that he’s also the director.
The type of humor that Zoolander relies on is just not what is funny anymore.
Anchorman 2 had the same problem. Dumb and Dumber 2 as well. The audience that is already emotionally tied to these films is older and wiser, I prefer less visual gags in my comedy. The younger viewers who may appreciate that type of humor have no interest in watching their dads movie star playing the lead. I dont know why Hollywood keeps trying to sequel this type of comedy, so long after the fact.
Bizarrely, I saw a trailer for Deadpool a few weeks ago when I went to see the Revenant. I have never in my life seen a trailer with some many expletives and dirty language. It was surreal, like the trailer was an accident or something. Like they accidentally played the uncensored version. I was so taken aback.
They can play “red trailers” before R-Rated movies or release them online. You are used to seeing green trailers which can be played before any movie and on prime time television.
You know, if a woman or a person of color had starred in Green Lantern or RIPD, they would have been kicked out of Hollywood long ago. In fact it would have been declared official that all women and PoC must never ever lead a superhero or action film, again. So hurray for white guy privilege.
Anyway, congrats Hollywood exec who determined that Ryan Reynolds should be a “thing”. And then cast him as an already extremely popular superhero who happens to capture the worlds exhaustion of superheroes. Now lets see if these numbers translate to anything outside of Deadpool. I doubt it.
I’m going to give Ryan a lot of credit here:
1. He’s freely and openly admitted that he gets the benefit of white privelage and that anyone else’s career would have been dead full stop.
2. He bought the rights to and worked for this movie himself so this was all his doing. As a result I actually think he gave a more authentic interpretation of the material and didn’t put in the ridiculous fluff some studio executive would have.
3. He gave several strong starring roles to women in the film and women actually outnumber men. As someone who saw the movie those women aren’t card board cutouts either. They’re all unique fleshed out characters with strong personalities. He’s also given interviews saying movies need to reflect the real world more by including more POC and women.
In short if there has to be a new ‘it’ guy in Hollywood, ten to one I’d choose him over about a dozen or so men currently mumbling their way through ‘we’re all equal’ and ‘women just need to work harder’.
totally agree and very well put. he’s certainly doing a lot more than some….
Even though I hated that GIna Carano never really spoke. Her fight sequence was the best! She would have been a great wonder woman, at least in physical terms. Meh, I didn’t see many POC, other than the taxi driver and the guy in the bar….
I loved the fact Ryan Reynolds worked so damn hard for this movie. He is a perfect Deadpool and it was so funny how much he made fun of his other bouts as a “superhero”. The women were also the strong ones and you don’t often see them being portrayed as the bruisers. I loved the film. It was everything I ever wanted in a Deadpool film.
@Mindydopple You forgot blind Al! She is white in the comic and they chose to go with a black actress instead. Hollywood take note, the role didn’t change at all and could have worked with any race! What a CRAZY idea! (/s)
+1000000 @Eternal Side-eye
I’m always happy to point out White priviledge but Ryan Reyans is one White male who isn’t shy about pointing out he was given another chance because he is White. Plus this was a result of him begging and fighting for years to be given another shot. Other White guys just call their agents and go right back to being given another big blockbuster.
I followed Ryan’s story because I think he has legit talent and the short leaked Deadpool audition got my interest. I never thought he would actually succeed because he was the butt of so many loser jokes.
His wife on the other hand is a textbook definition of White Privilege: an unattractive woman with little talent being hired over and over again when more talented and attractive POC’s are available.
@Eternal Side Eye
Agree with all your points,
Ryan’s also a co-producer on Deadpool. (which means moolah!)
@mindydopple – does (Brazilian-born) Morena Baccarin not count as a POC? She’s the female lead of the film….
@original TC – his wife could certainly do with taking a leaf out of Ryan’s book, re: self-awareness. I haven’t forgotten the Southern Belles/antebellum debacle on that little website of hers.
@mindy
The new Wonder Woman makes me sad (which is why I said some studio exec would have screwed something up with Deadpool if given a chance) she looks like you could blow her over with a feather. Ridiculous why they couldn’t stretch their little minds and pick a woman more muscular for the role of an AMAZON.
@amurph
Same! I came into it with high expectations and left so satisfied. The women weren’t some frail creatures waiting for a man to tell them left from right. They were all independent beings making their own choices.
@Alyce
Exactly. Hollywood is forever acting like the inclusion of a black person in a role turns it into some kind of jive blaxploitation film. Even the cab driver wasn’t some cliche, but just an average guy fulfilling a role and providing some awesome comic relief.
@T.C. & Teacakes
Every. Single. Word. You said I agree with. I do think Ryan has more talent and has honestly just gotten unlucky a few times (caught RIPD over the winter holiday and it was so fun and well executed). Blake on the other hand strikes me as someone who’s acting is so mediocre even a little Hollywood magic can’t give her success. Also yeah, can everyone let go off Antebellum South lusting (cough Taylor Swift, Blake Lively) while they’re thinking of Gone With The Wind we’re all remembering Chicken George.
Halle Berry wasn’t kicked out of Hollywood after Catwoman.
she certainly should have been kicked out for her appalling performance in x-men, along with anna paquin
Ehh, Halle Berry hasnt been allowed to lead a mid to high budget film since Catwoman. They let her play supporting roles in mid-big films or play lead in small budget films which her production company developed. And more importantly Catwoman over a decade later is still the justification for not creating vehicles for female superheroes http://www.vulture.com/2015/05/marvel-ceo-not-so-hot-on-female-superhero-movies.html#. Catwoman confirms my point, actually.
@Naya… do you just not like Ryan Reynolds? Green Lantern was okay.. it wasn’t great and I did not see RIPD. Green Lantern almost did sink his career and he acknowledges he was give a second chance because he was white.
Deadpool was actually pretty good. Not sure what the criticism is on Ryan Reynolds though.
His quib of “Ryan Reynold’s success being because of his looks and not his acting ability” endeared him to me. He can make fun of himself AND actually do a decent job.
I came out of the cinema more predisposed towards Ryan Reynolds.
@Cee
Right on. And you know, he’s actually good.
See Smokin Aces’, The Nines, Mississippi Grind, The Voices and Buried.
But people just love to s**t on Ryan.
Smokin’ Aces? You’re really going with that?
Not that Ryan’s white privilege isn’t showing, but this movie really struggled to get made. It certainly wasn’t a case of some executive bestowing slam-dunk stardom upon Ryan Reynolds.
The movie was shopped to studios, but none wanted it. Then some test footage leaked online, and fans loved it so much that studio interest perked up again. But even then, Fox demanded the screenwriters cut $7 million out of the budget, pretty much at the last minute, or they wouldn’t green-light it.
While the fans have been looking at the (excellent) promo campaign and saying, “It looks like they’re getting this character right,” I don’t think industry insiders were convinced. The fact that a superhero movie only got a production budget of $58 million is evidence of that.
Deadpool was hilarious. Highly recommend! I was mortified because hubby and I went to a 2 pm matinee yesterday and the theatre was full of kiddos, definitely not a family friendly movie.
FYI…Zoolander had a $50 million budget compared to Deadpool’s $58 Million. That sh!t makes no damn sense.
I really like Ryan, and Deadpol is one of the rare Marvel superheroes that actually seems interesting ( the ones that have been made into movies, I’ve never read the comics). I can’t wait to see this.
Taking a mental health day today, so I’m glad I have the comment section. I saw it yesterday and it was really funny. I thought I would get tired of the shtick but I laughed really hard in unexpected parts. There’s a bit where some X-men come in to stop all Deadpool and it’s a nice reminder that not all superheroes are good.
Saw it on Saturday, it was soo good!
I think he perfectly executed what an R-rated comedy/action film should be. No excessive gross out scenes, normal amount of cursing (one thing that always bugged me about Dexter was feeling like they were cursing strictly for the same of cursing), well done sex scenes and just general loyal to the material awesomeness!
Also, loved all the women characters being badasses.
I’m happy to see Ryan Reynolds finally make it. I’m cool with this.
I watched Deadpool last week.It was funny,trash and juvenile.The (barely) story has no interest
He was trying to get this movie made for 11 years. It looks hilarious and I’m looking forward to see it (but only when it comes out on DVD because I hate going to the cinemas).
I’m allergic to perfume, it makes me violently ill, and there is always someone wearing to much perfume or aftershave. Always.
I am happy for RR-he was everywhere promoting this movie, and clearly he doesn’t give up easily. It always amazes me that folks ignore a “R” rating and takes little kids to that movie. Most comments I have read said this movie is a hard “R” at that.
I’ve honestly seen more violent and sexual films. It’s not THAT strong.
It’s a strong R in terms of content. It just really isn’t for children. Some movies will just be graphic with a lot of violence and have an R rating, but your kids are going to leave this movie knowing a few new curse words and things about creative sex.
Saw it on saturday, the whole thing is hysterical. I had seen a couple of Ryan Reynolds’ movies before and although he’s not the best actor, he is pretty damn funny. I’m happy for him because this movie and this character really deserved a franchise. (We all deserve it!)
Good for Ryan – he desperately needed a hit after a few big flops, and it sounds like he put so much into this. I’m impressed they made a superhero movie for less than $60 million.
I ended up seeing Zoolander with some friends over the weekend, we knew it would be stupid, and it was, but we were all fans of the original and wanted to go. It was similar to the first one but not as entertaining or unique, though the audience seemed to enjoy it. The joke of “hey these two guys are really dumb models” has worn itself out, so no Zoolander 3 please.
I don’t understand how all these kids are getting in? My friend took his 14 year old son and was denied entry because of his age.
You can take your 14 year old son in unless the theater has a private policy against it, usually something like no minors after 8 PM.
I’m not into comic books but I sometimes like Superhero movies. I went to see Deadpool with a friend not knowing what it was about (never saw a trailer for it) and had NO IDEA it would be so AWESOME. I don’t really like Reynolds as an actor but he was born for this role. I suppose the breaking of the fourth wall is something that makes the movie great.
Reynolds’ deserves every good thing coming his way after producing and starring in a great superhero film.
I suggest that people who think he is not that good an actor go watch Mississippi Grind, The Voices (an AMAZING film), Definitely Maybe, Buried, The Captive, Safe House and a number of smaller films (Chaos Theory, Paper Man, Fireflies in the Garden, The Nines). He has a characteristic that is rare, even in actors who are supposed to be great: he is ‘facially’ expressive and can convey beautifully minor feelings such as worry, fear, empathy, affection, besides the very strong feelings such as hate, love, etc., which are easier to render. I love, love him as an actor.
I’ve seen some of his films and I’ve never thought he was excellent. Something about always being Ryan Reynolds. However, that doesn’t mean he is not GOOD.
One thing, though – he was expressive while wearing a mask! His physical comm. skills are very, very good. He could practically carry a scene w/o speaking, at all.
Lulu – I agree, he is such an under rated actor.
I am so happy for Ryan,he deserves this! I can’t wait to watch it,the trailer is so funny,so I know I am going to enjoy it.
I’ve got a question for those of you who’ve seen the movie. My personal relationship with the whole severe brain tumor thing is rather strained, and I don’t think I’d be able to stomach a movie where that loomed large. My boyfriend really wants to take me though. So, is it a big deal in the story?
I don’t want to give away too many spoilers. They don’t hit you over the head with it but it informs the choices Wade Wilson makes to become to Deadpool.
I honestly think it’s done well. Like Mom said they don’t hit you over the head with it, it’s unfortunate but kept in balance.
Thank you, Mom2Two and The Eternal Side-Eye.
I’m happy Morena Baccarin finally gets a shot at a hit franchise too, the Firefly loyalty is still strong in this house.
I am not a big Ryan Reynolds but he stuck with this movie for years and worked to hard to help it come out right out. I am glad it worked out. I enjoyed the film (my husband just thought it was okay) and I am pretty sure that Deadpool 2 has been green lighted.
I’m seriously happy for him. He deserves it.
Deadpool was fantastic! I don’t remember laughing so hard in a theatre…and everyone was laughing! I’m so happy for Ryan Reynolds and for anyone who says he’s getting chance after chance…he’s the reason why Deadpool was made. He has fought for this role for over ten years. Name an actor who was willing to fight that much to play a guy? And I’ll tell you what, it showed in his performance because he was awesome! I’m guessing his contract was back loaded (because he was a producer as well) so he’s going to be making bank off of this.
I freaking love this movie and plan to see it again this weekend. From the opening credit onwards this movie kept me entertained.
I saw this movie last Sat. with my sister and husband. We all loved it. People were laughing so hard sometimes we missed the next one-liner. We all went to dinner afterwards and said we would all see it again! That is really saying something from this crowd. First, my husband does not laugh out loud a lot in movies and did many times in this one. He really needed something funny because a long-time co-worker of his died unexpectedly last week. He had to take the call from the upset son and tell everyone personally the news. He needed to laugh badly. Thank heavens this movie delivered in spades in both action and snarky one-liners. Ryan Reynolds was great. I am glad for him especially after finding out how hard he worked for this movie to get made. In the Wolverine Origins movie he was briefly in it and I wondered why he did not get his own movie after that because RR was hilarious. I wanted to see WW movie. He was a very interesting character in a group that I did not find interesting, in general. Congrats for a good movie for adults for a change! I almost forgot the women! MB is a badass herself. So refreshing not to have a shrinking violet as a female lead. Leslie Uggams as his other partner is crime in a small part is a wonder. Ryan Reynolds is a good guy. I love the small inside references like where he actually comes from Regina (rhymes with vagina), Saskatchewan, Canada. Enjoy!
In the UK it’s rated 15 which means nobody under 15, with a parent or not. I walked past at least one parent shouting about ‘your website doesn’t say to bring a passport’ because the cinema staff were refusing to let his son in (the kid looked 12 at most).
I LOVE this story so much :). I’m so happy for RR, such good news for him and his career.
As for Zoolander 2 and it flopping and getting bad reviews – HAHAHA.
Deadpool was the best movie I’ve seen in 2 years…and this part was tailor made for Ryan Reynolds, he is perfection. It’s definitely aimed for a more adult audience, as more than a few of its 1970’s references were hilarious to me.
I feel like the odd woman out here… Because my boyfriend and I actually left the cinema about an hour into the film. The violence was SO graphic, and SO senseless, and I just couldn’t align it with the humour. It didn’t add up for me. Torture porn and one-liners just don’t mingle… Not my kind of film, sorry.
I have always liked Ryan Reynolds, been a fan since “Two Guys, a Girl and a Pizza Place”.
I have a soft spot for actors who can do both nuanced and physical comedy because comedy is hard folks, REALLY hard. It takes talent to pull off that kind of snark and not come off as a complete asshole and he did it in a head to toe red bodysuit.
I’m happy for him. Reynolds and the writers worked for 11 years to get this movie made. So some studio exec didn’t just hand it to him. In fact they all passed on it. It wasn’t until “someone” leaked the test footage onto the Internet which created a tremendous amount of positive buzz did the Studios become interested in taking a chance.
Saw the film this weekend and it was great. It was very funny, had great action set pieces, was well-paced, the women characters were strong and it was wonderful to see the great singer/actress Leslie Uggams as Blind Al. So for me it was a win.