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Marvel’s Deadpool & Wolverine has just made history by surpassing Barbie to become the 12th-highest-grossing film of all time at the domestic box office. The film, which brought together two of Marvel’s most iconic anti-heroes—Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds) and Wolverine (Hugh Jackman)—has become a massive success, and this latest milestone marks another victory in its box office run.
The Deadpool & Wolverine film added $679,000 to its domestic total during a recent re-release weekend, pushing its total earnings in North America to an impressive $636.3 million. This slight but significant increase was enough to edge out Barbie, which had previously held the 12th spot with $636.238 million. While the numbers are tight, this achievement is a testament to the film’s continued popularity, even after its initial release.
The re-release of Deadpool & Wolverine into 1,500 theaters gave fans another opportunity to enjoy the film, which initially hit theaters in 2023. This move comes as part of Disney’s ongoing strategy to maximize box office earnings and generate renewed interest in successful films. With Deadpool & Wolverine already riding a wave of excitement from fans eager to see the iconic duo on screen together, the re-release provided a boost to its earnings, propelling it ahead of Barbie in domestic box office history.
However, Deadpool & Wolverine still has some distance to cover if it hopes to reach the higher ranks of the domestic box office leaderboard. While it may have surpassed Barbie for now, Barbie’s total earnings of $636.238 million are still an impressive achievement, and the film continues to shine in the global market. Greta Gerwig’s colorful fantasy-comedy, starring Margot Robbie as the iconic plastic doll, has proven to be a worldwide sensation, grossing an astounding $1.445 billion globally. This puts Barbie far ahead in the international box office rankings, making it clear that the film’s appeal is widespread and not confined to North American audiences alone.
Despite this, Deadpool & Wolverine’s success at the domestic box office highlights the enduring power of superhero films. Marvel’s ability to bring together fan-favorite characters—such as the charismatic and foul-mouthed Deadpool and the beloved Wolverine—has proven to be a winning formula. The film’s success is also indicative of the power of fan service, with the return of Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine being a major selling point for the film. This crossover moment, bringing together two of the most popular comic book characters of all time, was a significant draw for audiences and has helped cement the film’s success.
For Marvel and Disney, Deadpool & Wolverine’s achievement is just the latest in a long line of successful releases. The superhero genre continues to dominate the box office, with films like Avengers: Endgame and Spider-Man: No Way Home breaking records on a global scale. The re-release of Deadpool & Wolverine also shows that there’s still a demand for major blockbuster films even after their initial theatrical run. With the film continuing to perform well domestically and with strong global numbers, it is clear that Marvel’s influence on the box office shows no sign of slowing down.
As for Barbie, while the film may have been surpassed in the domestic rankings, it remains a monumental success in its own right. Directed by Greta Gerwig, Barbie resonated with audiences for its unique blend of comedy, fantasy, and satire, offering a playful yet thought-provoking take on the iconic doll’s legacy. The film’s enormous success at the global box office speaks to the power of cultural relevance and star power, with Margot Robbie’s portrayal of Barbie being central to its success.
In the end, both Deadpool & Wolverine and Barbie are proof that the box office can support a wide range of films, from superhero blockbusters to socially conscious comedies. The competition between the two will likely continue to be a topic of conversation, but one thing is clear: both films have left an indelible mark on the cinematic landscape.
Looking ahead, both Deadpool & Wolverine and Barbie will likely continue to make waves, and their places in the box office rankings will undoubtedly shift as more films are released. For now, though, Deadpool & Wolverine stands tall as the 12th-biggest domestic box office release, surpassing Barbie by a slim margin, but with both films poised for continued success on the global stage.