“Deadpool & Wolverine” dominated the North American box office once again this weekend, raking in an estimated $15.2 million. This impressive haul has significantly boosted domestic August totals, pushing them well above pre-pandemic levels and ensuring a strong summer finish, according to analysts on Sunday.

The superhero comedy, a collaboration between Disney and Marvel, has consistently led domestic ticket sales nearly every weekend since its release six weeks ago. This consistent performance can be attributed in part to the magnetic appeal of its popular stars, Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman, who share a close off-screen friendship that translates into palpable on-screen chemistry.

As of now, “Deadpool & Wolverine” has amassed a staggering $603.8 million in domestic earnings. This achievement makes it only the 16th film ever to cross the $600 million threshold, with 11 of those films being produced by Walt Disney Studios, as reported by industry tracker Exhibitor Relations.

In second place for the Friday-through-Sunday period was the sci-fi horror film “Alien: Romulus,” produced by Disney-owned 20th Century Studios. The movie garnered a solid $9.3 million in its third weekend. Set decades after the original “Alien,” this latest installment in the franchise stars Cailee Spaeny and David Jonsson as space colonists who encounter deadly xenomorphs in their isolated environment.

Taking third place was Sony’s “It Ends With Us,” a romance drama adapted from Colleen Hoover’s best-selling novel. The film brought in $7.4 million over the traditionally quiet US Labor Day weekend. Blake Lively not only stars in the movie but also co-produced it, adding her star power to the project.

“Reagan,” a biopic about the 40th US president, released by ShowBiz Direct and MJM Entertainment, also made a strong showing with $7.4 million. Analyst David A. Gross noted that this is a “good domestic opening for a political biography,” especially given that audiences seemed to disregard mixed reviews. The film, arriving at a politically charged time as the race to be the 47th president heats up, is based on Paul Kengor’s book “The Crusader.” Dennis Quaid stars as Ronald Reagan, offering a sympathetic portrayal that traces Reagan’s journey from childhood to his tenure in the Oval Office.

Rounding out the top five was “Twisters,” Universal’s follow-up to the popular 1996 film “Twister.” The sequel pulled in an estimated $7.2 million in ticket sales. Glen Powell stars as a charming storm chaser who becomes intrigued by a mysteriously prescient rival played by Daisy Edgar-Jones. Together, they face an extraordinary series of tornadoes that test their skills and resolve.

The North American box office has experienced significant challenges, first due to Covid-19 and then strikes, leading to a slow start this summer. However, strong performances by films such as “Deadpool & Wolverine,” “Alien: Romulus,” “Inside Out 2,” and “Twisters” have contributed to a remarkable turnaround. Looking ahead, Tim Burton’s highly anticipated “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” is expected to provide an additional boost next weekend.