”Deadpool and Wolverine” Scores Third-Highest Opening in Nigerian Box Office History

“Deadpool and Wolverine” stormed Nigerian cinemas, securing the third-highest opening weekend in the country’s box office history with ₦144.2 million ($188,000) in ticket sales.

The Marvel blockbuster, starring Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman, drew 26,572 admissions over its five-day debut from July 26 to July 28. It now ranks behind only “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” (₦222.4 million in 2022) and “Avengers: Endgame” (₦189 million in 2019) in all-time Nigerian openings.

The R-rated superhero film’s performance dwarfed other releases, including domestic hit “What About Us” (₦12.5 million) and Hollywood sequels “Despicable Me 4” (₦8.5 million) and “Bad Boys 4” (₦7.2 million).

For comparison, the highest-grossing Nollywood film opening, “A Tribe Called Judah,” brought in ₦132 million, placing eighth on the all-time list.

While it’s too early to predict final box office numbers, “Deadpool and Wolverine” has already amassed ₦165 million in Nigeria, contributing to its $500 million global haul. The film is poised to challenge “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” (₦445 million) as the year’s top grosser in Nigeria.