In a stunning turn of events, "Deadpool & Wolverine" has taken the box office by storm, raking in $438 million globally in its opening weekend. The highly anticipated film marks the largest box office debut since "Avatar: The Way of Water" back in 2022. With a domestic haul of $211 million, it has secured the highest opening weekend for an R-rated film, surpassing all expectations and solidifying its place in cinema history.

The resurrection of beloved Marvel characters from 20th Century Fox's films has proven to be a winning formula for Disney's renamed 20th Century Studios. The studio, which struggled with a theatrical slump in 2023, turned to its acquired franchises from five years ago to reignite its success. "Deadpool & Wolverine," starring Ryan Reynolds in his third outing as the witty and irreverent Deadpool, is a pivotal component of Disney's triumphant summer.

The merger between Disney and 21st Century Fox in 2019 brought about the highly anticipated inclusion of the X-Men into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, capturing the attention and excitement of audiences worldwide. Exhibitors, who were once wary of consolidation in Hollywood, are now reaping the benefits of this merger. The success of "Deadpool & Wolverine" has proven that the Disney-Fox acquisition can lead to incredible box office results.

As the revamped 20th Century Studios continues to make its mark under the Disney umbrella, questions arise regarding the future of the iconic label. Boxoffice editor Daniel Loria wonders what other films 20th Century Studios will bring to theaters and whether they can sustain the elevated level of box office success achieved this summer.

Before the release of "Deadpool & Wolverine," audiences will be treated to a trailer for "Alien: Romulus," the first Disney-distributed installment of the 45-year-old horror franchise. With the potential to earn the highest opening weekend for each month of this summer season, Disney aims to continue its momentum, building on the success of previous hits like "Inside Out 2," which grossed a record-breaking $1.5 billion.

Disney's acquisition of 20th Century Studios for a staggering $71.3 billion in 2019 initially left industry experts uncertain about the studio's theatrical plans beyond the "Avatar" films. However, the success of "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes," another 20th Century Studios project, alongside strategic marketing efforts, has quelled doubts and showcased the potential of Disney's newly acquired properties.

The formidable marketing team behind "Deadpool & Wolverine" embraced the unique nature of the Deadpool character, crafting a campaign that emphasized the film's R-rating and its fresh approach within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This approach, combined with the star power of Ryan Reynolds and the return of Hugh Jackman as Wolverine, generated massive hype leading up to the film's release.

While "Deadpool & Wolverine" dominates the box office, other films like "Twisters," "Longlegs," and "Inside Out 2" continue to hold their ground, attracting audiences looking for alternative options. This diverse lineup of films has contributed to the overall success and industry-wide momentum that Disney has been able to capture this summer.

Looking ahead, the next 20th Century Studios release, "Alien: Romulus," anticipates surpassing the previous installment's theatrical run and could potentially compete with Sony's anticipated adaptation, "It Ends With Us."

In a display of resounding success and a return to their theatrical consistency, Disney has proven that the 2019 merger with 21st Century Fox was a game-changing move for the entertainment industry. With the inclusion of beloved Marvel characters and a revitalized lineup of films under the 20th Century Studios banner, Disney continues to dominate the box office and captivate audiences worldwide.