Fans around the world are only a few days away from finally seeing the send off to Fox’s X-Men franchise’s biggest character. Logan will mark the last time Hugh Jackman will play his now iconic role as Wolverine, and Fox has let him and director James Mangold have free reign over what the movie would be. The result? A gritty, western stylized adventure featuring the character aged, scarred, and hiding from his past.

While that description does not line up with what the X-Men franchise or previous Wolverine solo movies have been since 2000, this changeup has resulted in extraordinary buzz. The movie has been certified fresh on Rotten Tomatoes with an outstanding 94% of critics giving it a positive review, which was the final straw in an incredible marketing campaign that brought everyone onboard this new direction. With all this positivity surrounding the film, it is no surprise box office expectations are rising as well.

Deadline is reporting Logan is currently targeting a worldwide opening weekend haul of over $170 million, but it could be even greater. The specific tracking has domestic box office numbers coming in at $65 million and the remaining $105 million coming from overseas. The report does note that these projections could be on the conservative side with many expecting the movie to easily pass $70 million domestically, while also possibly topping $130 internationally - good for $200 million in total.

Even if the conservative projections turn out to be true, Logan will be the highest opening weekend of any Wolverine solo film. X-Men Origins: Wolverine opened to $158.2 million, and The Wolverine to $139.6 million. Both of these movies however had prime summer release dates and a more audience friendly PG-13 rating.

If the movie does approach the totals of the higher projections, Logan will turn out to be the third highest opening weekend worldwide within the X-Men universe. Barring a truly unforeseen boost around the globe, Deadpool ($264.7) and X-Men: First Class ($262.9) should retain the two top spots within the franchise.

While it may be unlikely that it catches either of the previously mentioned films, the higher estimates domestically could still be on the low end. There is nothing but positive buzz surrounding the movie and even non-superhero fans have become interested in seeing the film because it is such a departure from the traditional look within the genre. A larger presence from general audiences (but not kids) and repeat viewings from comic book faithfuls could help Logan top $80 million domestically.

There really is no telling how great of a factor it will be that this is Jackman’s last appearance, but the ending or revitalization of beloved properties have consistently turned out large crowds and box office numbers, so don’t be surprised if Logan does the same this weekend.

Next: What Does Logan Mean For The X-Men Movie Universe?

Source: Deadline

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