'Deadpool and Wolverine' launches to a spectacular $205 million in the US market

Disney and Marvel's new action comedy "Deadpool and the Wolverine" made a spectacular debut in North American theaters this weekend. The whopping $205 million take not only put the production near the top of superhero movies, but it's also the eighth-best start in history, AFP reports.

"The numbers are fantastic," said analyst David A. Gross of Franchise Entertainment Research. "The popularity of these characters is growing, not slowing down."

The film is enjoying positive reviews and excellent audience ratings, Gross said. The popularity of Ryan Reynolds (who plays Deadpool and wrote the screenplay) and his real-life friend Hugh Jackman (Wolverine) is also helping.

The debut ranks just ahead of 2018's "Black Panther," which opened with $202 million, and just behind "Jurassic World" ($208 million in 2015), Variety reported. International sales are already a staggering $233.3 million. | BGNES