Movies

'Deadpool' Has Conquered The World But Not North America

The movie has generated almost $746 million in ticket sales worldwide as of Tuesday, making it the highest-grossing rated-R film globally.

'Deadpool' Has Conquered The World But Not North America
Warner Bros. / 'Deadpool'
SMS

Deadpool isn't the kind of superhero we're used to, but his film is now the highest-grossing rated-R movie ever.

The film, based on Marvel comic character Wade Wilson, has generated almost $746 million in ticket sales worldwide.

2003's "The Matrix Reloaded" previously held that top spot with about $742 million.

Projected to earn no more than $75 million in its opening weekend in North America, "Deadpool" defied all expectations, pulling in $152 million — a new record for President's Day weekend.

The film about the Merc with a Mouth also is the highest-grossing film for a February opening, rated-R opening weekend and opening for 20th Century Fox.

Now there's one caveat to Deadpool's latest box office record: While he's earned the top rated-R spot worldwide, he hasn't done that yet in North America where the film has pulled in about $349 million.

Based on domestic figures, "The Passion of the Christ" and "American Sniper" still beat "Deadpool."

But just the fact that a rated-R comic book film, and one about an antihero at that, has been this successful at the box office is a huge deal for new flicks.

An extended rated-R cut of DC's "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice" will be released on DVD this summer.

And while Warner Bros. is aiming for a PG-13 rating for its upcoming "Suicide Squad" film, it won't be a typical comic book movie.

There's also a "Deadpool" sequel in the works, and it just wouldn't be the same if the mouthy Wade Wilson was toned down.

This video includes clips from 20th Century Fox and an image from 20th Century Fox.