‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ Set to Shake Up the Marvel Cinematic Universe

Shawn Levy, known for his work on “Stranger Things,” is quite accustomed to rumors around his projects. However, the speculation surrounding “Deadpool & Wolverine” has even surprised him.

“The rumors around this movie are overwhelming,” Levy shared with The Associated Press earlier this year. “But so is the anticipation, which is a nice situation.” Anticipation might be an understatement for what’s expected to be a major theatrical event this summer when it debuts on Thursday.

The film’s first trailer, launched during the Super Bowl, set a record with 365 million views online within 24 hours. The second trailer was equally groundbreaking, achieving the record for the most “F-bombs” in the MCU with six in under three minutes.

The buzz is enormous because this film marks the debut of Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool/Wade Wilson and Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine in Kevin Feige’s Marvel Cinematic Universe. Previously, both characters were under the 21st Century Fox banner.

When Disney acquired Fox’s film and TV assets in early 2019, Wolverine had already died in “Logan.” Meanwhile, a third “Deadpool” was in development, and Marvel was focused on PG-13 content, where only one F-bomb is allowed.

During a call with investors, Disney CEO Bob Iger assured that Deadpool would remain R-rated. Soon after, Reynolds posted a picture online of his character with Mickey Mouse ears on a yellow school bus labeled “Disney,” indicating that the humor was still intact.

The next big question was the storyline. Levy, a fan of Reynolds’ snarky tone and fourth-wall-breaking style, was announced as the director in early 2022.

“There was no way I was going to reinvent a wheel, a tonal wheel, that works so beautifully,” Levy stated. “Both Disney and Marvel empowered Ryan and me to make this movie exactly as we dreamed.”

Things began to take shape when Jackman signed on. It marked the first time Deadpool and Wolverine would appear together since 2009’s “X-Men Origins: Wolverine.” Over the years, Reynolds and Jackman engaged in a humorous “feud” on social media, hinting at a reunion.

The possibility of their on-screen reunion seemed dead after “Logan” and Jackman’s retirement as Wolverine. However, nothing is final in the multiverse, and they promised this film would not interfere with “Logan.”

“It’s a really interesting duo,” Levy said. “They’re built for huge conflict because they’re so different individually. But that makes for a very interesting story.”

The chemistry was also fueled by the decade-long off-screen friendship among Levy, Jackman, and Reynolds, who worked together on films like “Free Guy” and “Real Steel.”

“The real benefit of being friends off set is that you can try crazy stuff without fear of falling,” Levy explained. “This movie is filled with moments that we didn’t expect, thanks to the freedom that comes from our friendship.”

At the New York premiere, Jackman and Reynolds praised each other without any snark. Jackman said, “(Ryan’s) exactly as you think — extraordinary, generous, humble, brilliant, and a great friend.” Reynolds reciprocated, calling Jackman “someone who operated through the prism of genuine kindness, diligence, hard work. We’ve been best buddies ever since.”

For casual fans who may have missed some Disney+ offerings, Levy assures that no prior knowledge is needed to enjoy “Deadpool & Wolverine.”

“I didn’t want to presume that. This movie is built for entertainment, with no obligation to come prepared with prior research,” he said.

Levy remains tight-lipped about the film’s plot. Reporters were only allowed to see 40 minutes at Monday’s premiere. However, spoilers are expected to flood social media soon.

“Deadpool & Wolverine” doesn’t need plot teases to generate excitement. The fans are already on board, regardless of rumors about Taylor Swift’s involvement.

Marvel has faced some challenges recently with films like “The Marvels” underperforming and others not impressing critics. Despite industry concerns about “superhero fatigue,” “Deadpool & Wolverine” is highly anticipated.

Critics have generally been positive. AP’s Krysta Fauria noted that the film “leans into its genre,” though she mentioned the plot becomes aimless toward the end. However, the final fight scene is both bloody and comedic, making it a fun summer movie.

The film could become the first MCU movie since “Spider-Man: No Way Home” to crack $1 billion, potentially overtaking “Joker” as the highest-grossing R-rated film of all time. It’s currently tracking to open around $160 million, with some analysts predicting as high as $200 million.

“Audiences are hungry for a great time at the movies,” Levy concluded. “I think they’re in for a very fun ride.”

He added, “The movie is built for audience delight.”

Source: Associated Press