Over the weekend, comic book movie “Deadpool” crushed all expectations and grossed more than $135 million, making it the most successful R-rated opening of all-time. The success of the release, over Valentine’s Day weekend nonetheless, speaks to the exponential growth and acceptance of comic books and superheroes into the cultural zeitgeist.

Ryan Reynold’s performance in “Deadpool” is unique because unlike other successful superhero films, it earned an R-rating. In the past couple of years, most other superhero movies, such as “The Avengers” and “Iron Man,” have all been rated PG-13. “Deadpool” was deemed R by the MPAA because of “strong violence and language throughout, sexual content, and graphic nudity.” When you read that description, one does not think, “Oh, it’s R but my kid can handle it.” Here, children are not in the equation at all.

For comparison, the next closest R-rated film was Keanu Reeves’ 2003 “The Matrix Reloaded,” which made about 118.3 million opening weekend. After that, the next R-rated superhero film was Gerard Butler’s 2007 action movie “300,” which grossed just over $70 million its opening weekend.

“Deadpool” is a film firmly made by adults, for adults. Though superhero movies have drastically risen in popularity, “Deadpool” is different because there won’t be any toys or lunch boxes of him. That wasn’t the goal.

“Deadpool” is a faithful adaptation of the comic book, warts and all. The overwhelming success of the film means comic book and superhero movies are more than just a trend or a fad. Now, they’re the main attraction of filmgoing. Instead of necessarily targeting a niche audience, superhero movies are now attractions everyone can enjoy. Though it’s taken a few years, they no longer have to be watered down to be family fare or rely on toy sales for profit. The genre is strong enough to stand on its own and attract a fairly large audience.

One other notable aspect of Deadpool’s release is the fact it opened on Valentine’s Day weekend, the most romantic few days of the entire year. This is a genius scheduling because it targeted both single people and couples. “Deadpool” is a film where fans of the comics can come together and enjoy it.

More so, the stigma that comic book movies are only for nerds or guys has ended. If a guy wanted to drag his girlfriend into “Deadpool,” there has been enough ground broken where she would likely be okay with it, and vice versa. More so, the romantic aspects of the film are perfect for couples, while the action appeals to groups of people.

On paper, “Deadpool” had everything working against it with an R rating and a Valentine’s Day release date, but due to an effective marketing campaign that included promo videos and billboards and erased stigmas of superhero and comic book movies, it thrived. Not only should we expect to see a “Deadpool” sequel, but the amount of superhero movies coming out in the future will only increase. As long as the film is quality, flocks of people will come, and these films will feel more liberal in taking risks.

Erik Benjamin is a sophomore television, radio and film major. His column appears weekly in Pulp. You can email him at ebenjami@syr.edu or follow him @embenjamin14 on Twitter. His favorite superhero is Tobey Maguire Spiderman.

Published on February 14, 2016 at 9:12 pm