Part 3/10:
Amidst these difficulties, one upcoming film offers a glimmer of hope: Deadpool and Wolverine. Scheduled for release this Thursday, the film has generated considerable buzz—partly because it’s an R-rated superhero movie at a time when such films are rare, and partly because of the franchise characters’ nostalgic appeal. Early indications suggest this could be a significant hit, with box office projections estimating a remarkable $165 million+ opening weekend domestically. If these numbers hold, it could become a billion-dollar blockbuster, a feat that would be extraordinary for an R-rated film and a much-needed boost for Marvel’s reputation.