Logan dominated the weekend box office, opening to a massive $85.3 million and proving that moviegoers will show up in force for R-rated comic book movies.
The superhero spinoff marks Hugh Jackman’s last turn as Wolverine after 17 years of donning the adamantium claws.
As the movie business grows more saturated with stories about costumed vigilantes, studios are trying to find ways to differentiate their own comic book adaptations. Like “Deadpool” before it, “Logan” demonstrates that adults will turn out for tentpole fare that is bloodier and more profane than your average X-Men movie.
“Logan” was produced by 20th Century Fox and cost $97 million to make. Set in the near future, it follows Wolverine and an ailing Professor X (Patrick Stewart), who leaving their hiding place on the Mexican border to help a young mutant (Dafne Keen). James Mangold, who previously collaborated with Jackman on 2013’s “The Wolverine,” directed the movie and co-wrote the screenplay. “Logan” takes its inspiration from “Old Man Logan,” an acclaimed 2008 graphic novel that’s long been a fan favorite for its darker take on the hero.
Critics embraced the film, hailing it as a comic book movie with bite.
The audience for the film was older and male-skewing – men made up 63% of ticket buyers, with 68% of the opening weekend crowd clocking in over the age of 25.