Audiences sent Ryan Reynolds an incredible love letter this weekend at the box office, while two new releases failed to catch on at theatres. Here’s what went down:
Deadpool, the hard-R passion project for Ryan Reynolds and director Tim Miller, had an absolutely astounding debut this weekend, bringing in an estimated $135 million, shattering the box office record for February releases, as well as becoming the biggest R-rated opening ever. While many anticipated the film would do well, based on the marketing and its attachment to the X-Men movie universe, this number wasn’t even in the conversation until audiences started turning out in droves. There’s a fine chance the film will wind up with more than $200 million in North America alone, which means Reynolds is finally on the right side of a franchise. Hard work, perseverance and Fox’s willingness to go against the grain all have made Deadpool a fantastic success story.
As for the rest of the top five, Kung Fu Panda 3 was in second place with $19.65 million, as it hit the magic $100 million mark. How To Be Single debut in third with $18.7 million, a fairly uninspired number, especially over Valentine’s Day weekend. However, it still managed to come ahead of Zoolander 2, that film barely overcoming horrible reviews to land in fourth place with $15.6 million. Finally, The Revenant closed things out in fifth place with $6.9 million.
So, to recap, here were our predictions:
1) Deadpool – $60 million
2) Kung Fu Panda 3 – $19 million
3) How To Be Single – $18 million
4) Zoolander 2 – $16 million
5) Star Wars: The Force Awakens – $7.5 million
And here’s how the weekend turned out:
1) Deadpool – $135 million
2) Kung Fu Panda 3 – $19.65 million
3) How To Be Single – $18.7 million
4) Zoolander 2 – $15.6 million
5) The Revenant – $6.9 million
Next weekend sees the release of Race, Risen and The Witch. Be sure to check back on Friday to see our predictions!