Comic book fans have had quite a busy year in 2024, with the year having both highs and lows. It’s really mind-boggling to think that fans have Mrs. Web and the Deadpool and Wolverine team-up all in one year!
Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman as Deadpool & Wolverine | Credit: Marvel Studios
It’s no secret that Sony’s Marvel Universe (SSU) and DC both struggled to make an impact this year, leaving many fans feeling disappointed. Nevertheless, Ryan Reynolds came to the rescue as his stellar debut in the MCU delivered the perfect mix and single-handedly saved the year for comic book fans everywhere.
How SSU and DC Bombed the Box Office, Leaving Fans Disappointed!
Before we get into this year’s big triumph for MCU, let’s first talk about what didn’t quite land. DC had high hopes for it Joker: Folie à Deuxfocused on rivalry Deadpool and Wolverine. But despite the star power of Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gagathe movie fell flat.
With a production budget of $200 million and another $100 million spent on marketing, Folie à Deux needed $450 million worldwide to break even. Instead, it raked in a modest $206 million at the worldwide box office (according to Forbes), leaving it deeply in the red.
Lady Gaga and Joaquin Phoenix in Joker: Folie à Deux | Credits: Warner Bros. Images
It wasn’t alone Joker: Folie à Deux who missed his target this year. Movies like Mrs. Web And Kraven the Hunter joined the growing list of lackluster SSU entries, keeping the mediocrity alive.
Meanwhile, fans were pinning their hopes on Venom: The Last Danceand while Tom Hardy delivered its usual charm, the film itself did not live up to blockbuster expectations. All in all, it’s safe to say that 2024 wasn’t the superhero year that comic book fans were hoping for.
How Ryan Reynolds gave Kevin Feige the last laugh
Despite all the disappointment this year, what really saved fans, studios, and the superhero genre Deadpool and Wolverine. From the moment it was announced that the iconic duo would be joining the MCU, fans were beyond excited. After a long wait, the film was absolutely successful.
Deadpool and Wolverine went on to gross $1.33 billion at the box office (via Forbes) with $701 million coming from international sales. The production budget was set at $200 million, excluding printing and advertising costs.
Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman as Deadpool & Wolverine | Credit: Marvel Studios
The film not only entertained audiences with all the banter and action fans love, but also successfully brought the beloved X-Men to the MCU, something Marvel fans have been waiting for for a long time. To put everything into perspective for this year’s disparity, here are the Rotten Tomatoes scores for all theatrical comic book movies released in 2024.
In the end, Deadpool and Wolverine turned out to be a huge hit and made it clear why fans couldn’t get enough of it. Kevin Feige had the last laugh, and it was a big one!
Deadpool and Wolverine is streaming on Disney+
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