With NSYNC’s song “Bye Bye Bye” setting the tone during the opening scene of Deadpool and Wolverine, fans are thrilled to see Wolverine and Deadpool sharing the cinematic screen—a duo that once was unimaginable.
Deadpool’s life takes a dramatic turn when Mr. Paradox summons him to the Time Variance Authority Office. There, Deadpool is recruited to protect the multiverse by finding a new Wolverine to help restore the timeline. However, Mr. Paradox has a hidden agenda. He has created a machine called the Time Ripper, designed to combine all the universes into one—a process that would erase Deadpool’s home universe. Deadpool must fight to save his universe and stop Mr. Paradox’s evil plans.
Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox led to Deadpool appearing in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). This also led to the reappearance of Wolverine even though he apparently died in Logan (2017). Now, both of these super-healing heroes exist in the MCU. In the movie, Deadpool explains part of Disney’s acquisition by breaking the fourth wall: “Disney brought him [Wolverine] back. They’re gonna make him do this until he’s ninety.”
For example, in the fight scene between Deadpool and Wolverine during their first meet-up, they sustain no injuries since they can both heal instantaneously. The immortality of these two characters provides film directors more freedom and possibilities to incorporate them in upcoming movies.
Deadpool and Wolverine was released on July 26, 2024, and the movie has since grossed over $1.3 billion worldwide. Johnny Oleksinski from the New York Post comments, “Easily the best Marvel has delivered since 2021’s Spider-Man: No Way Home.” Filled with action and with a twist of comedy, every scene in the film has a flair and keeps the viewer engaged.
The acting by Ryan Reynolds—portraying Deadpool—and Hugh Jackman—portraying Wolverine—is phenomenal as well. They are a perfect duo whose personalities perfectly fit the characters they represent. With a comedic presence, Deadpool finds a way to be silly even in serious situations. In preparation for this movie, Jackman underwent a crazy body transformation. Despite his age of 56 years old, Jackman pushed through to achieve a six-pack physique. He describes how the transformation helps him feel better as a whole: “I am in better shape and when I say shape, what I mean is physical health, my knees, my shoulders that have bothered me for years – gone. She’s helped me get through this, get the results I needed, but feeling fantastic.”
However, viewers who are not big Marvel fans may not be very familiar with elements such as the Time Variance Authority (TVA). Therefore, there may be some extra film watching to do (i.e. Loki (2021)) before heading into Deadpool and Wolverine.
In the end, Deadpool and Wolverine is a cinematic rollercoaster that perfectly blends humor, action, surprise, and heart. Deadpool himself might put it best: “Who knew Logan and I would be the dream team you never asked for?” Whether you’re a longtime Marvel enthusiast or just here for the laughs, this is a movie that sticks its landing—healing ability not required.