Critics review Deadpool & Wolverine: "Bloody Fun" with $165M opening weekend prediction

The initial reactions to "Deadpool & Wolverine" are highly positive, providing a boost to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. 

This follows a tough year for Marvel, marked by flops such as "Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania" and "The Marvels." As the only Disney-supported Marvel film set for release in 2024, "Deadpool & Wolverine" marks the character's official debut in the MCU. The sequel has received critical acclaim as "bloody fun" and a "step in the right direction for Marvel."

“‘Deadpool and Wolverine‘ is a game changer for the MCU as it is the biggest, boldest, and most badass MCU film since ‘Infinity War’ and ‘Endgame,'” wrote Sean Tajipour of Nerdtropolis. 

“Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman are the ultimate duo we’ve all been waiting for!”

David Thompson, editor at The Direct, described “Deadpool & Wolverine” as the “goriest” and “funniest MCU project ever,” noting:  “Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman together as these icons is INCREDIBLE. It’s not perfect, but it’s a thrilling theatrical experience [and] a step in the right direction for Marvel.”

“Yes the cameos and surprises are epic, and the humor, action, blood-soaked fights and needle droups are tremendous, too… but it’s the respect and love for the characters that win you over,” wrote Erik Davis of Fandango.

“Deadpool & Wolverine” features Ryan Reynolds in his third appearance as the Merc with the Mouth, alongside Hugh Jackman making his long-anticipated return as the iconic X-Men character after 2017’s “Logan.” 

That film marked the end of Jackman’s portrayal of Wolverine, which began with 2000’s “X-Men.” Thanks to the MCU’s multiverse, Jackman returns as a different version of the mutant. The film also stars Emma Corrin, Matthew Macfadyen, Morena Baccarin, and others.

Despite facing box office disappointments last year, “Deadpool & Wolverine” is poised to be a major success for Marvel. The sequel, which is the MCU's first R-rated film, is projected to earn around $165 million in its opening weekend. This would not only make it the biggest debut of 2024 to date but also set a record for the highest opening ever for an R-rated movie.

“Deadpool & Wolverine” premieres in theaters across the country on July 26, courtesy of Disney.