Deadpool & Wolverine’s Irreverent Star Trek Joke Could Upset Fans

Contains spoilers for “Deadpool & Wolverine”

If there’s one thing people can expect from a Deadpool movie, it’s that jokes at Marvel’s expense will be aplenty. “Deadpool & Wolverine,” a solid yet flawed MCU entry according to Looper’s review, certainly doesn’t disappoint in that aspect. The Merc with a Mouth, Wade Wilson (Ryan Reynolds), refers to himself as “Marvel Jesus” and adds that the Multiverse concept has run its course. But in the threequel, Wade doesn’t just poke fun at Marvel but also takes a jab at one of the most iconic moments in the Star Trek franchise.

In the climactic finale, Deadpool and Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) must decide who will make the ultimate sacrifice to destroy the Time Ripper, preventing Cassandra Nova (Emma Corrin) from obliterating every universe. Wolverine insists he should do it since Wade has friends to return to, while he has no one. But Deadpool pulls a switcheroo at the last second, locking himself in the room while Wolverine pounds on the door. Marching toward what seems like certain death, Deadpool presses his hand against the glass in the Vulcan salute, similar to Spock’s (Leonard Nimoy) iconic scene in “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan.”

Spock sacrifices himself because it’s the most logical move; only he could repair the device in the warp drive room to save his friends. Deadpool opts for a similar sacrifice but does so with a much more cavalier attitude, getting in a last reference before thinking he’s about to die. But how effective is the joke?

“Deadpool & Wolverine” sets its irreverent tone from the beginning. The movie opens with Deadpool digging Wolverine’s adamantium skeleton out of its grave from “Logan” and using those bones to kill a bunch of Time Variance Authority agents. Given that Deadpool has no problem desecrating one of the most iconic moments in Marvel movie history, it’s no surprise he references a significant Star Trek moment as well.

It’s not just Spock’s death that elicits strong emotions but the entire scene, brilliantly performed by Leonard Nimoy and William Shatner. The moment culminates in Spock’s legendary line, “I have been — and always shall be — your friend.” “Wrath of Khan” director Nicholas Meyer realized he had created an impactful moment, as evidenced by the on-set reactions. Fans felt the same, solidifying the scene as a classic. Naturally, “Deadpool & Wolverine” had to give it a humorous twist.

The joke practically writes itself as Deadpool, thinking he’s about to die, says farewell to Wolverine behind the glass, echoing Spock’s sacrifice. It’s likely audiences will recall Spock’s death before Deadpool even makes the Vulcan salute. Ultimately, the joke works because it’s quintessential Deadpool: delivering sentimentality, pop culture reference, and a zinger all at once. It doesn’t come across as disrespectful to Star Trek; it’s just Deadpool being Deadpool.

Deadpool attempts to halt Cassandra’s plan but needs help. Wolverine breaks through the door, aiding Deadpool in saving the day and seemingly killing Cassandra. It appears that Wade and Logan are atomized, evoking Wolverine’s sacrifice in “Logan.” However, knowledgeable audiences would suspect Disney wouldn’t kill them off permanently. Together, they emerge unscathed, explaining that while one of them would have died alone, together they survived.

The situation parallels Spock’s fate in “Wrath of Khan,” where he dies, only to be resurrected in “Star Trek III: The Search for Spock,” a sequel Leonard Nimoy returned for under the condition he could direct. In a way, Deadpool’s Vulcan salute foreshadows his survival, enabling an impactful scene without permanent consequences. These characters are too valuable to Disney and will undoubtedly return in future Marvel projects.

Deadpool jests that Disney will make Hugh Jackman play Wolverine until he’s 90. Maybe Reynolds faces a similar destiny, as “Deadpool & Wolverine” is poised to be a massive box-office hit. For Disney, Deadpool and Wolverine have been — and always shall be — everlasting money-makers.