Disney’s ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ Surpasses $1 Billion

24/7 Wall St. Insights

“Deadpool & Wolverine” has become the second R-rated movie in history to surpass $1 billion in global box office revenue. This milestone places it in the ranks of films that have reaped significant financial success despite their restrictive rating. The film is on track to overtake “Joker” as the top-grossing R-rated movie soon.

For Walt Disney Co. (NYSE: DIS), this success is much-needed good news. The entertainment giant has seen its stock fall by 29% over the past year, even as the S&P 500 has climbed by 28%. Reviving the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which has already generated $30 billion in revenue with its superhero sequels, could provide a much-needed boost to Disney’s market performance.

The film “Deadpool & Wolverine” integrates characters from two beloved franchises. The Deadpool character, who starred in his own 2016 movie, brought in over $700 million in global box office total. Wolverine, on the other hand, has mostly appeared in the X-Men series of films. The combination of these two characters has proven to be a hit with audiences, earning a 95 rating on Rotten Tomatoes. However, critics have given it a more moderate score of 78.

Since Disney acquired Marvel in 2009, the success of its superhero films has been a crucial aspect of its revenue. The question now is whether “Deadpool & Wolverine” signifies a temporary spike or the beginning of a sustained revival of the Marvel franchise. A renewed and successful Marvel lineup could significantly aid in improving Disney’s stock performance.

The movie’s success comes during a time when Disney needs a strong performer. The Marvel Cinematic Universe has continually proven to be a valuable asset for Disney, and another hit can ensure financial stability and growth.

Source: 24/7 Wall St.