NEWSMAKERS

NEWSMAKERS

‘Deadpool’ annihilates records with $135 million in first 3 days

LOS ANGELES

The R-rated “Deadpool” has taken the box office by storm, annihilating records with an eye-popping $135 million from its first three days in U.S. theaters, according to comScore estimates Sunday.

The Fox film, which stars Ryan Reynolds as the foul-mouthed superhero, easily trounced last year’s record-setting $85.2 million February debut of the erotic drama “Fifty Shades of Grey.” It also became the biggest R-rated opening ever, surpassing “The Matrix Reloaded,” which opened to $91.8 million in May 2003.

Analysts are predicting that the Tim Miller-directed film, which cost a mere $58 million to produce, could go on to make $150 million by the end of the holiday weekend.

Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to comScore. Where available, the latest international numbers for Friday through Sunday are also included. Final domestic figures will be released today.

1. “Deadpool,” $135 million ($125 million international).

2. “Kung Fu Panda 3,” $19.7 million ($14.6 million international).

3. “How to Be Single,” $18.8 million ($8.1 million international).

4. “Zoolander 2,” $15.7 million ($8.5 million international).

5. “The Revenant,” $6.9 million ($14 million international).

6. “Hail, Caesar!,” $6.6 million.

7. “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” $6.2 million ($4.3 million international).

8. “The Choice,” $5.3 million ($600,000 international).

9. “Ride Along 2,” $4.1 million ($1.5 million international).

10. “The Boy,” $2.9 million ($1.3 million international).

Associated Press