Logan storms US box office proving adult superhero films are the way forward

Your support helps us to tell the story

Support Now

Find out moreClose

In my reporting on women's reproductive rights, I've witnessed the critical role that independent journalism plays in protecting freedoms and informing the public.

Your support allows us to keep these vital issues in the spotlight. Without your help, we wouldn't be able to fight for truth and justice.

Every contribution ensures that we can continue to report on the stories that impact lives

Kelly Rissman

US News Reporter

Brand new Wolverine film Logan has been released to staggering box office figures proving the 15-certificate route could be the superhero genre's future.

In the US, the 20th Century Fox film, directed by James Mangold, looks set to record the biggest opening day for an R-rated film in March with estimates of $32 million (£26m), toppling Zack Snyder's 300 which scored $28.1 million (£22.8m) in 2006.

According to Deadline, Logan - which stars Hugh Jackman, Sir Patrick Stewart and child actor Dafne Keen - is currently on track to amass takings of $79.8 million (£64.9m) - the second best for the Wolverine franchise after 2009's X-Men Origins: Wolverine ($85m) which was the first of the spinoff franchise.

It most probably helps that this has been pitched as Jackman's final Wolverine film having played the role a grand total of nine times before.

This exact time last year, Fox proved the 'adult' superhero film was a trusted formula after the unprecedented global success of X-Men spinoff Deadpool starring Ryan Reynolds. It's currently tough to predict whether Logan will match that film's takings but a clearer sense will be gathered when the global box office figures roll in as the weekend draws to a close.

You can listen to our podcast interview with Sir Patrick Stewart here, where he reveals the moving moment which made him believe he will never play Professor Charles Xavier again.