“Deadpool & Wolverine” dominated the North American box office once again this weekend, amassing an impressive $15.2 million in estimated earnings. This robust performance not only underscores the film’s popularity but also contributed significantly to elevating domestic August box office totals well beyond pre-pandemic levels, marking a triumphant conclusion to the summer season, according to analysts.

This superhero comedy, a brainchild of Disney and Marvel, has been a consistent frontrunner in domestic ticket sales nearly every weekend since its debut six weeks ago. A substantial part of its appeal lies in the dynamic performances of renowned stars Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman, whose camaraderie adds an extra layer of charm to the film.

Currently, “Deadpool & Wolverine” boasts a staggering domestic gross of $603.8 million. This achievement places it among an elite group of only 16 films to have crossed the $600 million threshold, with Walt Disney Studios responsible for producing 11 of these cinematic milestones, as reported by industry tracker Exhibitor Relations.

In second place, Disney-owned 20th Century Studios’ sci-fi horror film “Alien: Romulus” delivered a solid performance, raking in $9.3 million in its third weekend. Set several decades after the original “Alien,” this latest installment of the franchise features Cailee Spaeny and David Jonsson as space colonists confronting deadly xenomorphs, ensuring a thrilling continuation of the beloved series.

Sony’s “It Ends With Us,” a romantic drama adapted from Colleen Hoover’s widely acclaimed novel, secured third place with $7.4 million in ticket sales over the traditionally subdued US Labor Day weekend. The film stars Blake Lively, who also co-produced the movie, drawing audiences with its poignant storyline and compelling performances.

Meanwhile, “Reagan,” a biographical drama about the 40th US president, produced by ShowBiz Direct and MJM Entertainment, debuted with $7.4 million. Analyst David A. Gross noted this as a commendable opening for a political biography, with audiences largely disregarding mixed reviews. The film, arriving amid the fervent buildup to the 2024 presidential race, is based on Paul Kengor’s book “The Crusader” and stars Dennis Quaid. It offers a sympathetic portrayal of Ronald Reagan’s journey from his early years to his presidency.

Universal’s “Twisters,” a sequel to the popular 1996 film “Twister,” claimed fifth place with an estimated $7.2 million in ticket sales. The film stars Glen Powell as a charismatic storm chaser who becomes intrigued by a mysteriously prescient rival played by Daisy Edgar-Jones, as they face an astonishing series of tornadoes.

The North American box office, initially hampered by the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent industry strikes, experienced a sluggish start to the summer. However, strong performances from films like “Deadpool & Wolverine,” “Alien: Romulus,” “Inside Out 2,” and “Twisters” have led to a remarkable recovery. Looking ahead, Tim Burton’s eagerly anticipated “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” is expected to further invigorate box office numbers next weekend.

Rounding out the top ten were:
– “Blink Twice” with $4.7 million
– “The Forge” with $4.6 million
– “Despicable Me 4” with $4.1 million
– “Afr AId” with $3.7 million
– “Coraline” (15th anniversary re-release) with $3.2 million