Whether viewed as a standalone film or the beginning of a larger cinematic universe, “Deadpool & Wolverine” unites fans with a bittersweet and nostalgia-inducing send-off to the end of an era. While “Deadpool & Wolverine” suffers from a classically confusing “X-Men”-esque plot and timeline, the film’s saving grace lies in its creative balance of spectacular action sequences, earned nostalgia, cheeky humor and an unforgettable soundtrack.
After Marvel’s epic conclusion to the decade-long buildup of the Infinity Saga, the studio struggled with pressures to rebuild. In a post-Tony Stark and Steve Rogers cinematic universe, the studio's rushed Phase Four Multiverse Saga prioritized quantity over quality, leaving fans longing for the return of its once-revered cinematic spectacles.
The Walt Disney Company’s $71.3 billion acquisition of 21st Century Fox also left fans anxious for the strictly PG-13 studio’s take on the “Merc with a Mouth.”
The reality of the merger officially kicked in following the release of a teaser trailer Feb. 11 when Deadpool told fans, “Your little cinematic universe is about to change forever. I’m the Messiah. I am Marvel Jesus.”
With the five-month wait over and a record-breaking $1.08 billion in box office sales, Marvel fans have come together to see if Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman are the answer to their prayers. “Deadpool & Wolverine” follows a dejected, toupee-wearing Wade Wilson struggling with a breakup and an unceremonious rejection from the Avengers’ Happy Hogan (Jon Favreau). Left with nothing but his work as a meager car salesman, Deadpool aches for a higher calling, yearning to find his place in something bigger than himself.
As the consequences of Wilson’s time-altering antics from the previous film catch up to him, he enters the Time Variance Agency’s most-wanted list, and his world begins to collapse. The Agency and its rogue agent Mr. Paradox (Matthew Macfadyen) are tasked with maintaining the Sacred Timeline and “pruning” branches that could create alternate timelines across the multiverse.
Eventually, Wilson discovers his world is on the brink of destruction when one of its key anchor beings — Earth-10005’s Wolverine — dies. Realizing he can’t save his world alone, Wilson leaps through the multiverse seeking help from the cigar-smoking, adamantium-clawed hero, eventually having to fight his way out of a “metaphysical junkyard where anything useless goes before it gets annihilated forever.”
Though the film garners the bulk of its popularity from celebrity cameos and never-before-seen moments, it does so by enhancing the overall narrative. The inclusion of each iconic character seamlessly contributes to the film's broader commentary of Hollywood’s — and, by extension, Marvel’s — cruel tendency to discard anything that isn't an immediate success into forgotten wastelands.
Some fans may find Deadpool’s jokes tiresome, but I think this is precisely what makes Deadpool so lovable. Deadpool’s unorthodox approach to being a superhero is further highlighted in this installment, where he’s finally confronted with his insufferable nature. Logan encapsulates this perfectly with his scathing rant: “You will never save the world. You couldn’t even save a relationship with a g*dd*mn stripper.”
Disney brilliantly captures the energy of Deadpool’s self-deprecating, raunchy humor while venturing into uncharted territory with its first R-rated superhero movie. Deadpool’s signature tendency to break the fourth wall ensures no movie studio or executive is safe from his big mouth, a hallmark of the character director Shawn Levy was fully allowed to embrace.
Breaking the fourth wall is a trademark move for Reynolds and Deadpool, whose personalities are virtually inseparable. The film offers plenty of fresh and memorable moments, with quips like, “There are 206 bones in the human body. 207, if I’m watching Gossip Girl,” and the cheeky, “Pegging isn’t new for me, friendo. But it is for Disney."
A film is immortalized by its classic soundtrack and epic opening sequence, and "Deadpool & Wolverine” is no exception. The choice of “Like a Prayer” and “Bye Bye Bye” is quintessentially Deadpool, and both songs masterfully tie into the film’s broader themes. The spiritual undertones of Madonna’s track and NSYNC’s iconic farewell anthem symbolize a goodbye to the end of an era and the long-awaited answer to the prayers of devoted Marvel fans who’ve been along the entire journey.
Through the midst of the film’s chaotic fun, there are still clear signs of Deadpool's future in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Mr. Paradox hints at Deadpool’s higher purpose, suggesting this won’t be the last time we see the katana-wielding pottymouth within the MCU.
“Deadpool & Wolverine” might be a wild ride, but it’s one that reminds fans why they fell in love with its characters. The film stands as a farewell to the past and a hopeful glimpse into the future. As Marvel transitions into a new era, fans can leave theaters knowing Deadpool, Wolverine and the larger Marvel universe have plenty of adventures awaiting them.
Rate: 8/10
Contact Carlos Alemany at calemany@alligator.org. Follow him on X @close_alemany
Carlos Alemany is a fourth year political science student and the Alligator's 2024 Criminal Justice Reporter. In his free time, you you may catch him thrifting or sketching in Gainesville.
