Predictingbox officeestimates is far from an exact science, as many films often come far above or far under expectations all the time. Weeks before 20th Century Fox’sDeadpoolhit theaters, early projections claimed the superhero adventure would take in between $55 million and $60 million on its opening weekend, and as we got closer to the release date, some predicted it could get as high as $80 million. As it turns out, they were all wrong, withBox Office Mojoreporting this critically-acclaimed R-rated adventure shattered both expectations and records alike, taking in a whopping $135 million, and it’s expected to cross $150 million over the four-day President’s Day holiday weekend.
Armed with a slew ofpositive reviewsto the tune of an 84% “Fresh” Rotten Tomatoes rating,Deadpoolshattered the record for highest grossing R-rated opening weekend of $91.7 million, held for 13 years byThe Matrix Reloaded. It also shatteredFifty Shades of Grey’s February record of $85.1 million, along with its four-day President’s Day weekend record ($93 million), the record for highest-grossing R-ratedcomic bookadaptation (300, $70.8 million), largest winter opening weekend (American Sniper, $89.2 million) and it became the biggest opening ever for 20th Century Fox, surpassing 2005’sStar Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sithrecord of $108.4 million. These records were all broken by a movie that was close to never being made at all.
Back in July 2014, the test footage thatRyan Reynoldsand director Tim Miller shot was leaked online, and was met with incredibly positive reactions from fans all over the world. Just a few months later, 20th Century Fox officially green-lit the movie, setting a June 04, 2025 release date. While this R-rated superhero adaptation was seen as a big gamble for many, that big bet paid off, since the movie has more than doubled its $58 million budget after just three days in theaters. The blockbuster opened in 3,558 theaters this weekend, pulling in an incredible $37,957 per-screen average.
Deadpoolwill also set the pace for a huge year of superhero adventures. Warner Bros. kicks off its superhero universe withBatman v Superman: Dawn of Justiceon March 25, followed bySuicide Squadon August 5. 20th Century Fox will also debutX-Men: Apocalypseon May 27, and it’s possible that we may seeDeadpoolin that adventure, although it hasn’t been confirmed. Marvel will be kicking off their Phase Three lineup withCaptain America: Civil Waron May 6 andDoctor Strangeon November 4.
Based upon Marvel Comics' most unconventional anti-hero,Deadpooltells the origin story of former Special Forces operative turned mercenary Wade Wilson, who after being subjected to a rogue experiment that leaves him with accelerated healing powers, adopts the alter egoDeadpool. Armed with his new abilities and a dark, twisted sense of humor,Deadpoolhunts down the man who nearly destroyed his life.Ryan Reynoldsstars as the Merc With the Mouth, with a supporting cast that includesMorena Baccarin,Gina Carano,Ed Skrein,T.J. Miller,Brianna Hildebrand, Olesia Shewchuk, Style Dayne, Rachel Sheen and Dan Zachary.
Kung Fu Panda 3dropped to second place this weekend with $19.6 million, followed by newcomersHow to Be Singlein third with $18.7 million andZoolander 2in fourth with $15.6 million, both movies coming in under expectations. It was projected thatZoolander 2would open in second place with $23 million, followed byHow to Be Singlein third with $20 million. Both of these comedies open in roughly the same amount of theaters, withZoolander 2debuting in 3,394 theaters andHow to Be Singlerolling out in just over 3,343 theaters. Neither of these comedies fared well on Rotten Tomatoes, withZoolander 2earning just a 23% rating on RT withHow to Be Singlescoring a 47% rating.
Zoolander 2centers on Derek Zoolander (Ben Stiller) and Hansel (Owen Wilson), who are recruited by Valentina (Penélope Cruz), an Interpol agent and former swimwear model, to stop a deranged killer who is targeting the most beautiful people in the world. The first trailer revealed that this assassin starts his killing spree with none other than pop starJustin Bieber, who was revealed in aset photoposted by star/directorBen Stillerback in April. Other celebrities this killer has bumped off include Usher Raymond,Demi LovatoandMiley Cyrus.
How to Be Singlecenters on young Alice (Dakota Johnson) who, after four years of college, decides she needs a break from her long-term boyfriend Josh. Excited and ready for new challenges, the eager grad moves to New York to take a job as a paralegal. Helping her navigate her way through an unfamiliar city is Robin (Rebel Wilson), a fun-loving, wild co-worker who enjoys partying and one-night stands. With Robin as her freewheeling guide, Alice can now learn how to get free drinks, meet men and enjoy the single lifestyle. The top five is rounded out byThe Revenantwith $6.9 million
The top 10 is rounded out byHail, Caesar!($6.5 million),Star Wars: The Force Awakens($6.1 million),The Choice($5.2 million),Ride Along 2($4.1 million) andThe Boy($2.9 million). Also opening in limited release this weekend is the documentaryWhere to Invade Next, which took in $1.03 million from 308 theaters for a $3,353 per-screen average. Touched with Fire opened with $16,955 in six theaters for a $2,826 per-screen average. No box office data was given forProvidence,Of Mind and MusicandFitor. It isn’t known if any of these movies will be expanding to a nationwide release in the weeks and months to come, but we’ll keep you posted.
Looking ahead to next weekend, three films will open in wide release, Focus Features' biopicRace, Sony’s faith-based drama Risen and A24’s horror-thrillerThe Witch. No specific theater counts have been given at this time, but they will also be going up against Oscilloscope Pictures' Embrace of the Serpent, Lionsgate’s Busco Novio Para Mi Mujer and FIP’s Neerja in limited release. Be sure to check back on Sunday for the box office estimates, and again on Tuesday for next week’s predictions. Until then, take a look at the top 10 for the February 12 weekend below.
