Ryan Reynolds magically saved a lackluster year for both DC and Marvel fans as comic book films struggled to prove themselves at the box office.
Comic fans have had quite the ride in 2024, with the year delivering both highs and lows. It’s truly mind-boggling to think that fans got Madame Web and the Deadpool & Wolverine team-up all in one year!
Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman as Deadpool & Wolverine | Credits: Marvel Studios
It is no secret that Sony’s Marvel Universe (SSU) and DC both struggled to make a mark this year, leaving many fans feeling underwhelmed. Despite this, Ryan Reynolds came to the rescue as his stellar debut in the MCU brought the perfect mix and single-handedly saved the year for comic fans everywhere.
How SSU and DC bombed at the box office, leaving fans disappointed!
Before diving into how big of a triumph this year was for MCU, let’s talk about what didn’t quite land. DC had high hopes for Joker: Folie à Deux, aiming to rival Deadpool & Wolverine. But despite the star power of Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga, the film fell flat.
With a production budget of $200 million and an additional $100 million spent on marketing, Folie à Deux needed $450 million globally just to break even. Instead, it scraped together a modest $206 million at the worldwide box office (as per Forbes), leaving it deep in the red.
Lady Gaga and Joaquin Phoenix in Joker: Folie à Deux | Credits: Warner Bros. Pictures
It wasn’t just Joker: Folie à Deux that missed the mark this year. Films like Madame Web and Kraven the Hunter joined the growing list of lackluster SSU entries, keeping the streak of mediocrity alive.
Meanwhile, fans pinned their hopes on Venom: The Last Dance, and while Tom Hardy delivered his usual charm, the movie itself fell short of blockbuster expectations. All in all, it’s safe to say 2024 wasn’t the superhero year comic fans were hoping for.
How Ryan Reynolds made sure Kevin Feige had the last laugh
Despite all the disappointments this year, what truly saved fans, studios, and the superhero genre was Deadpool & 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 absolutely delivered.
Deadpool & 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 before printing and advertising costs.
Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman as Deadpool & Wolverine | Credits: Marvel Studios
Not only did the film entertain audiences with all the banter and action fans love, but it also successfully brought the beloved X-Men into the MCU, something Marvel fans have been waiting for a long time. Just to put everything into perspective for this year’s disparity, here are the Rotten Tomatoes scores for all the theatrical comic book movies released in 2024.
In the end, Deadpool & Wolverine proved to be a massive hit, making it clear why fans couldn’t get enough. Kevin Feige had the last laugh, and it was a big one!
Deadpool & Wolverine is streaming on Disney+
