Deadpool 2 smashes NZ box office records

New Zealand is loving the return of Deadpool. Photo / Supplied

New Zealanders are loving the expletive-ridden, action-packed second coming of Deadpool so much, the superhero flick has shot to the top of the NZ box office and smashed two records on its way.

Deadpool 2 grossed a whopping $1.787 million between last Thursday and Sunday, making it the biggest opening weekend in New Zealand ever for an R-rated film.

The previous record was held by the original Deadpool release in 2016.

And because it released early on a Wednesday, Deadpool 2 also nabbed the record for NZ's best ever five-day opening, with a total opening box office of $2.154 million.

Neil Lambert, Managing Director of 20th Century Fox New Zealand, reckons Deadpool's sense of humour is one we Kiwis have in common - that, and having a Kiwi star helps too.

"We've always felt that Deadpool's humour resonates particularly well with Kiwi fans, which we saw even more so this time around with the addition of New Zealand's own Julian Dennison to the cast," he said.

"We're thrilled New Zealand audiences have flocked to Deadpool with such passion for a second time."

Along with Dennison, Deadpool 2 stars Ryan Reynolds, Josh Brolin and Zazie Beetz.