‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ Surpasses ‘The Passion of the Christ’ as Highest Grossing R-Rated Film in History

“Deadpool & Wolverine” has reached rare box office success, overtaking “The Passion of the Christ” to become the highest grossing R-rated film in the U.S. in history. 

Editor’s note: This article contains spoilers for “Deadpool & Wolverine.”

At the time of this article, “Deadpool & Wolverine” has grossed $395 million domestically. “The Passion of the Christ,” a 2004 depiction of Jesus’ trial and crucifixion, earned $370 million domestically. 

The film is also within reach of breaking worldwide records. At the time of this article, “Deadpool & Wolverine” has grossed over $824 million worldwide and is projected to gross more than $1 billion by the end of its theatrical run. It currently is third on the list of highest grossing R-rated films worldwide, behind “Joker” and “Oppenheimer.”

“The Passion of the Christ,” which was directed by Mel Gibson and starred Jim Caviezel as Jesus, sits 10th on that list, having earned more than $612 million worldwide. 

“The Passion of the Christ” was controversial at the time of its release for its graphic depictions of the violence endured by Jesus, as well as for accusations of antisemitism against Gibson. Gibson famously began production of the film without outside funding, because he was unable to garner support for the project. 

Nevertheless, while critical reviewers found the film lacking, audiences flocked to see it and gave it glowing reviews. 

Caviezel has long contended that a sequel to “The Passion of the Christ” is in the works. However, after two decades, the film has not begun production and there appear to be no immediate plans for it. 

“Deadpool & Wolverine” is the Deadpool character’s highly anticipated foray into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, with Disney having recently acquired 21st Century Fox, which owned the rights to the character—as well as to the X-Men and Fantastic Four. 

Somewhat unexpectedly, “Deadpool & Wolverine” has been criticized by conservative Christians. In addition to criticizing the film’s use of graphic violence, profanity, and crude humor, some have characterized the movie as blasphemous. 

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Throughout the film, Deadpool refers to himself as “Marvel Jesus,” seeing himself as a savior not only of the multiverse depicted in the film but also of a cinematic franchise whose most recent installments have received mixed reviews. (A hallmark of the character is his ability to break the fourth wall.)