Disney's Marvel may have found direction with its big box office and familiar faces.

• An R-rated film ever, 'Deadpool & Wolverine' generated $211 million during its domestic debut in 2024, surpassing the highest debut of that year.
• Disney-owned Marvel Studios is experiencing a promising development after struggling to maintain box office momentum following the release of "Avengers: Endgame" in 2019.
• Marvel Studios' President Kevin Feige has appointed Joe and Anthony Russo, the directors of "Avengers: Infinity War" and "Avengers: Endgame," to helm the next two Avengers movies.
• Robert Downey Jr. is also returning. This time as Doctor Doom.

"Deadpool & Wolverine" contains spoilers for the movie.

Marvel is on the rebound.

Despite its poor showing at the box office in November, the studio has rebounded with "Deadpool & Wolverine," which grossed $211 million during its domestic debut, making it the highest-grossing R-rated film ever and the top-performing film of 2024.

Since 2021's "Spider-Man: No Way Home," the latest Marvel Cinematic Universe film has had the highest opening.

Marvel Studios, which has been struggling to maintain box office momentum after the release of "Avengers: Endgame" in 2019, is experiencing a decline in quality due to an emphasis on quantity of theatrical titles and streaming series. As a result, audiences are turning away from the studio's content.

"In the film, Hugh Jackman's Wolverine is greeted by Reynold's Deadpool with the statement, "Welcome to the MCU. You're joining at a bit of a low point.""

The lowest point in the MCU's history was "The Marvels," which had the lowest domestic opening ($46.1 million) and global box office revenue (under $200 million) in 2023.

While Marvel Studios was grappling with pandemic-induced production delays and simultaneous Hollywood labor strikes, its successor Jonathan Majors was found guilty of misdemeanor assault and harassment, resulting in his dismissal and uncertainty about the fate of the sinister Kang.

Marvel is on track to recover after the success of "Deadpool & Wolverine" and strategic hires, with the MCU being the highest-grossing film franchise and a consistent ticket sales driver.

Marvel-ous weekend

Robert Downey Jr. has been cast as Doctor Doom in the Marvel Studios film directed by Joe and Anthony Russo.

During the studio's San Diego Comic Con presentation on Saturday, Feige announced that the Russo brothers would direct "Avengers: Doomsday" (formerly titled "Avengers: Kang Dynasty") and "Avengers: Secret Wars," which are set to release in 2026 and 2027, respectively.

"In 2024, the only MCU film release is "Deadpool & Wolverine." However, in 2025, there will be several new releases including "Captain America: Brave New World," "Thunderbolts*," "The Fantastic 4: First Steps," and "Blade.""

The future of Deadpool and Wolverine in Marvel's cinematic universe is uncertain, as both characters survive the latest installment but remain separate from the rest of the MCU. The title "Deadpool & Wolverine" suggests that Jackman may reprise his role as Wolverine in future films.

"Disney resurrected him, but Deadpool reveals that he'll be forced to continue performing until he's 90 years old."

Some believe the duo will make a comeback for "Secret Wars," a 1980s comic book story arc that was revisited in 2015. This storyline follows the collision of alternate universes, their destruction, and the piecing together of those universes into "Battleworld." Marvel could also utilize the X-Men in this narrative.

The Russo brothers have hinted that Doctor Doom, portrayed by Robert Downey Jr., will have a significant role in the upcoming "Secret Wars" event in the MCU. This news provides fans with a clearer idea of the franchise's direction.

"Anthony Russo reiterated Robert Downey Jr.'s statement during Saturday's San Diego Comic Con panel, emphasizing the importance of working together to create the best possible movie theater experience."