LOS ANGELES, July 26 (Reuters) - The Marvel duo of

"Deadpool & Wolverine" grabbed $38.5 million at U.S. and

Canadian box offices in the first screenings of the film on

Thursday, distributor Walt Disney ( DIS ) said.

The early returns, a record for an R-rated movie, suggest

Disney ( DIS ) will enjoy its second hit in a row in a turnaround for

its movie division.

The opening-day tally ranks as the eighth-highest of all

time, behind films such as "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker"

and "Avengers: Infinity War."

By Sunday, "Deadpool & Wolverine" is expected to claim the

largest domestic box office opening of 2024, according to

industry analysts. U.S. and Canadian sales through Sunday should

hit between $175 million and $185 million, said Paul

Dergarabedian, senior media analyst at Comscore.

That would top "Inside Out 2," Disney's ( DIS ) animated Pixar movie

that debuted with $154.2 million in June.

"Deadpool & Wolverine," the first R-rated Marvel film by

Disney ( DIS ), stars Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool, a character known for

sexually explicit jokes, swearing and violence. Hugh Jackman

plays Wolverine, a sharp-clawed mutant.

The movie opened in international markets on Wednesday and

has brought in $64.8 million outside of the United States and

Canada, Disney ( DIS ) said.

Disney ( DIS ) is rebounding from lackluster performances in 2023

for movies such as "The Marvels" and "Haunted Mansion."