"Deadpool & Wolverine" sets new R-rated film record

Zoom in: Reynolds, who has had a heavy hand across production and marketing of the Marvel Studios film on top of his starring role, told The Hollywood Reporter he's always thought of the movie as the "first four-quadrant, R-rated film."

• "We set out to make a movie with enough laughs, action and heart to appeal to everyone," he said.

Flashback: The first "Deadpool" raked in $133.7 million in its first weekend domestically in February 2016.

The intrigue: About 5% of audiences for typical R-rated movies are under 17, compared to 11% for "Deadpool and Wolverine."

• IMAX and other premium screen formats helped drive sales as well — contributing 18% of gross global sales.

The bottom line: "Once thought of as a sure-fire way to limit potential box office, the R rating, when properly applied, can be the key to unlocking massive box office, and this has proven to be the secret sauce for the 'Deadpool' franchise," chief Comscore box office analyst Paul Dergarabedian told THR.