Disney has scored a significant victory with the release of Marvel Studios’ latest film, “Deadpool & Wolverine,” which broke box office records and surpassed expectations. The film, starring Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool and Hugh Jackman as Wolverine, achieved a global opening weekend gross of $438.3 million, with $205 million from domestic earnings. This remarkable feat makes it the highest-grossing global opening for an R-rated film in history, surpassing the previous record set by “Deadpool” in 2016.

Domestically, “Deadpool & Wolverine” ranks as the eighth highest-grossing opening of all time and holds the title for the highest July opening weekend, surpassing 2019’s “The Lion King.” It is also the biggest opening since “Spider-Man: No Way Home” in 2021 and the second largest opening for a third installment after “Avengers: Endgame” in 2019.

Disney’s success with “Deadpool & Wolverine” is part of a larger winning streak for the company, which has released the number one titles for May (“Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes”), June (“Inside Out 2”), and now July. The film has received widespread acclaim from critics and audiences alike, earning an “A” CinemaScore, a Certified Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and a stellar audience score of 97%.

This box office triumph comes amid ongoing tensions between Disney and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. DeSantis has criticized Disney for its perceived liberal agenda, including its support for LGBTQ+ rights, leading to a political battle that has seen the governor take steps to strip Disney of its self-governance privileges.

Despite these challenges, Disney remains one of Central Florida’s top taxpayers and largest employers, contributing over $1.1 billion in state and local taxes last year and employing tens of thousands of workers.

The conflict began in March 2022, when Florida’s Senate passed legislation limiting instruction on gender identity and sexual orientation in early education.

Disney’s then-CEO Bob Chapek expressed the company’s opposition to the law, sparking a series of retaliatory actions from DeSantis. These included the termination of Disney’s special privileges granted to its theme parks through the Reedy Creek Improvement District, a move formalized by DeSantis in April 2022.

Despite efforts to curb Disney’s influence, the company has continued to thrive under the leadership of CEO Bob Iger. Iger has been vocal in defending Disney’s right to free speech and criticized DeSantis’s actions as anti-business. The legal battle culminated in Disney suing DeSantis in federal court, alleging that his actions threatened billions of dollars in business.

The success of “Deadpool & Wolverine” highlights Disney’s resilience and ability to deliver blockbuster hits even amidst political turmoil. With a proven track record of producing top-grossing films and a strong portfolio of upcoming releases, Disney’s stock appears to be a promising investment. The company’s ability to navigate political challenges and continue delivering high-quality entertainment underscores its potential for sustained growth and profitability.

As Disney celebrates its latest box office triumph, investors may view this as a positive indicator of the company’s financial health and future prospects. The combination of critical acclaim, record-breaking earnings, and successful navigation of political hurdles suggests that Disney remains a formidable player in the entertainment industry, making its stock a potential buy for those looking to invest in a proven and resilient brand. As of the last trading day on July 26, 2024, Disney’s stock price closed at $89.93, showing a slight increase of 0.81% from the previous trading session