Quick Hit:

The Marvel film 'Deadpool & Wolverine,' directed by Shawn Levy and starring Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman, earned a record-breaking $38.5 million in Thursday previews, setting a new high for R-rated films and ranking eighth among all films.

Key Details:

• The $38.5 million preview earnings surpassed previous records for R-rated films.

• 'Deadpool & Wolverine' achieved the eighth highest preview earnings across all films.

• The film's international earnings reached $64.8 million within the first two days.

Diving Deeper:

Marvel Studios and Disney's latest release, 'Deadpool & Wolverine,' has made a historic impact at the box office, earning $38.5 million in Thursday previews. This figure sets a new record for R-rated films and places the movie eighth among the top preview earnings for any film.

The Shawn Levy-directed movie marks a high-profile return for Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool and introduces Hugh Jackman as Wolverine in the franchise. Their camaraderie, both on and off-screen, has been a significant draw for audiences. The film's promotional tour, culminating in a major panel and screening at Comic-Con's Hall H, has generated substantial buzz.

Internationally, 'Deadpool & Wolverine' has also performed impressively, grossing $64.8 million within its first two days. This figure represents a 57% increase over the first Deadpool film and a 48% increase over its sequel. Despite the R-rating, which traditionally limits box office potential, the film is projected to have a strong opening weekend, with estimates ranging between $160 million and $175 million. Some analysts, like David Herrin of The Quorom, believe it could surpass $200 million domestically.

The film's success is bolstered by glowing reviews and high audience ratings, with a perfect five out of five on PostTrack and a 97% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. The original Deadpool film set the stage in 2016 with a historic $133.7 million domestic opening, the highest ever for an R-rated movie. Its sequel continued the trend, debuting at $125.5 million after $18.6 million in previews.

This latest installment, 'Deadpool & Wolverine,' marks a significant milestone as the first R-rated movie released by Disney. The transition of the Deadpool franchise to Marvel under Disney's umbrella has been closely watched, and this release appears to be a resounding success.

Ryan Reynolds, known for his marketing acumen, has strategically targeted a broader audience. A key promotional boost came from Taylor Swift, who leveraged her social media influence to endorse the film. Swift's playful and enthusiastic post encouraged her followers to buy tickets, highlighting her personal connection to Reynolds and his family.

As 'Deadpool & Wolverine' continues to shatter records and exceed expectations, its performance underscores the enduring popularity of these beloved characters and the effective marketing strategies employed. The film's strong start suggests a promising future at the box office, both domestically and internationally.