Summary
Deadpool & Wolverineis primed to address numerousMarvelmovie franchises, and therefore requires a reasonable level of familiarity with Marvel’s cinematic history. TheMCU’sDeadpool & Wolverineofficially concludesFox’sX-Menmovies, and transitions Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool intothe MCU timeline. Drawing on elements from both superhero franchises,Deadpool & Wolverinewill be better enjoyed by those who have seen certain key movies.
The early Marvel movies were not produced by Marvel Studios, but rather a string of different distributors who owned respective characters. 20th Century Fox retained the rights to the X-Men characters, including Deadpool. However, following Disney’s acquisition of Fox, Marvel regained the X-Men character rights. This allowed for Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine and Ryan Reynolds' Deadpool to be integrated into the MCU. In the process,Deadpool & Wolverinebids farewell to the early era of superhero cinema, with a litany of characters and references from decades of Marvel movies.
Deadpool & Wolverine Box Office Set To Break Records
With Deadpool & Wolverine arriving in just a couple of weeks, new box office projections for its opening weekend are eying major records for the MCU.
Deadpool
Cast
The Merc With The Mouth gets his very own film in Deadpool, an action-adventure comedy movie starring Ryan Reynolds as the titular hero. When mercenary Wade Wilson discovers he has an aggressive type of cancer that threatens to cut his life short, he decides to take a shady offer from a businessman who promises to cure him. Tortured and left for dead, the treatment makes Wade immortal - and a little bit twisted - as he seeks out his tormentors for revenge.
The firstDeadpoolreestablished the character of Wade Wilson with remarkable fidelity to the comic books, followingDeadpool’s much-criticized portrayal inX-Men Origins: Wolverine. This film delves into Wade’s transformation into Deadpool,providing a comprehensive backstorythat includes his terminal cancer diagnosis, the experimental treatment that gives him his powers, and the horrific consequences he endures.
Moreover,Deadpoolintroduces and develops key relationships, particularly with Vanessa, his love interest, whose connection to Wade is central to his motivations. The film’s unique blend of irreverent humor, fourth-wall-breaking antics, and brutal action sets the tone for the series, distinguishingDeadpoolfrom other superhero movies. Understanding these foundational elements, including Wade’s origin, personality, and pivotal relationships, iscrucial for fully appreciating the character’s development and story arcs anticipatedinDeadpool & Wolverine.
Deadpool 2
The Merc With the Mouth returns in Deadpool 2, “the sequel to the first one.” Wade Wilson finds himself alone and without purpose until he reluctantly agrees to join the X-Men. Things take a turn for the strange when Wade finds himself in prison after trying to help a young mutant named Russell, and a time-traveling mutant cyborg arrives to slay Russell to save the future. Determined to save Russell and do the right thing, Wade creates a new team of heroes to fight back and save the world the only way Deadpool knows how - as ridiculously as possible.
Deadpool 2is a crucial film to watch beforeDeadpool & Wolverinebecause it significantly evolves Deadpool’s relationships and introduces elements that directly impact the upcoming sequel. The movie expands Wade Wilson’s friendship circle. These characters are integral to Deadpool’s world, andtheir presence influences Wade Wilson’s motivation– as seen in theDeadpool & Wolverinetrailer.
Moreover,Deadpool 2’s use of time travel is pivotal. Cable’s time-traveling device and Deadpool’s subsequent use of it to alter events create significant consequences that Deadpool will face in the next installment. This sets the stage for the TVA’s involvement, asDeadpool is held accountable for changes in the timeline. According to theDeadpool & Wolverinetrailer, the narrative will pick up precisely whereDeadpool 2left off, with Wade Wilson’s established friends and family.
X-Men
X-Men, released in 2000, introduces Wolverine and Rogue as they join Professor Xavier’s private academy for mutants. The resident superhero team, the X-Men, led by Xavier, confronts a terrorist organization of mutants with similar abilities, highlighting the ongoing conflict between humans and mutants.
X-Men(2000) marks the beginning of Fox’sX-Menfranchise, laying the foundation for the universe that Deadpool and Wolverine inhabit. This movieintroduces key characters and themes that have persisted throughout the series, establishing the complex world of mutants and their struggles. Importantly,X-Men(2000) features Tyler Mane’s Sabretooth and Ray Park’s Toad, characters confirmed to reappear inDeadpool & Wolverine.
Toad and Sabretooth’s role inX-Men(2000) provides essential context for their dynamics and histories with Wolverine. Additionally, Deadpool’s frequent fourth-wall-breaking and meta-references will undoubtedly include nods to this seminal film. Understanding the origins of these characters and the universe they navigate willenhance viewers' appreciation of the interwoven plots and character arcsthatDeadpool & Wolverinewill explore, makingX-Men(2000) essential viewing.
Who Plays Sabretooth In Deadpool & Wolverine (& Why Marvel Has Undone Its Own Recasting)
Sabretooth is one of Wolverine’s greatest rivals in the comics and movies but despite the character’s recasting, an unexpected actor returns.
X2: X-Men United
X2 is the second installment in the X-Men film series, where Professor Charles Xavier’s team faces growing anti-mutant forces led by Col. William Stryker. In response, mutants Storm, Wolverine, and Jean Grey form an uneasy alliance with adversaries Magneto and Mystique to counter Stryker’s plans to eradicate mutants.
X2: X-Men United is often hailed as the bestX-Menmovie, masterfully exploring themes of mutant discrimination while centering on Wolverine as a prime hero. Wolverine’s journey, including his quest for identity and his protective role within the X-Men, forms the emotional core of the movie, showcasing hisevolution from a lone warrior to a team leader. This evolution will be key forDeadpool & Wolverine, as Wolverine is convinced to save the universe once more.
X2: X-Men Unitedalso marks the debut of Aaron Stanford as Pyro and Kelly Hu as Lady Deathstrike. Pyro’s decent into villainy is especially compelling, driven by his frustration with society’s treatment of mutants, and he eventually aligns with Magneto. Deathstrike, meanwhile, appeared in the movie’s most thrilling fight scene. Given that both will appear inDeadpool & Wolverine,understanding their backstories and motivations fromX2would be helpful.
X-Men: The Last Stand
X-Men: The Last Stand is the third film in the X-Men series, featuring the conflict between mutants over a newly discovered cure for mutations. The film showcases the X-Men, led by Professor Charles Xavier, opposing the Brotherhood, led by Magneto, as tensions escalate within the mutant community.
Though divisive,X-Men: The Last Standproved to be one of the most consequential movies in the franchise. Depicting Jean Grey’s transformation into the malevolent Dark Phoenix, the narrative culminates in Wolverine being forced to kill Jean. This moment haunts him andoften serves as his primary motivationin subsequent films.
The emotional weight of this event iscentral to Wolverine’s character development, influencing his actions and decisions. Understanding this context enriches the narrative ofDeadpool & Wolverine,as it is likely to be referenced, especially with rumors of Famke Janssen reprising her role as Jean Grey.X-Men: The Last Standalso introduces Dania Ramirez as Callisto, who will reappear inDeadpool & Wolverine.
X-Men Origins: Wolverine
X-Men Origins: Wolverine explores the backstory of the iconic mutant Wolverine, portrayed by Hugh Jackman. Released in 2009, the film delves into Logan’s journey through the Weapon X program as he seeks revenge for his girlfriend’s death while uncovering complex relationships with other mutants.
X-Men Origins: Wolverinefeatured Deadpool’s cinematic debut and is the only previous time Wolverine and Deadpool have met on screen. The film’s portrayal of Deadpool, particularly with his mouth sewn shut, was highly controversial, and hasalready been a frequent subject of humorous references and meta-commentaryin theDeadpoolfilms. Now that Wolverine will be joining Wade Wilson,Deadpool & Wolverinewill likely continue this trend.
X-Men Origins: Wolverineserves as a nostalgic touchstone, providing context for the in-jokes and references that are likely to appear inDeadpool & Wolverine. Considering Deadpool’s trademark fourth-wall-breaking style, hewill almost certainly mock the pair’s infamous first meeting. Furthermore, watching this movie helps appreciate Ryan Reynolds' strides to revive Deadpool’s character in a more successful and faithful rendition.
X-Men: First Class
X-Men: First Class explores the origins of Charles Xavier and Erik Lensherr, who later become Professor X and Magneto. Set during the early days of their friendship, the film depicts their collaborative efforts with other mutants to avert a significant global threat.
X-Men: First Classrebooted the franchise and reestablished key mutant themes,setting the tone for future films. This prequel delves into the origins of the X-Men, exploring themes of acceptance, prejudice, and the struggle for mutant rights, which are central to the franchise’s narrative.First Classalso features Azazel, a teleporting mutant who plays a significant role in the storyline.
Azazel will appear inDeadpool & Wolverine, makingX-Menn: First Classbeneficial viewing. Additionally, by revisiting the roots of the X-Men and the formation of pivotal alliances and rivalries,X-Men: First Classprovides essential context for the characters and their world. The film’s exploration of the early relationships between key figures like Xavier and Magneto, makes ita foundational entrant of theX-Mensaga.
X-Men: Days of Future Past
X-Men: Days of Future Past features a time-traveling mission where the ultimate X-Men ensemble battles across two periods. Combining forces with their younger selves, they attempt to alter the past to ensure the future of their species. Released in 2014, the film stars Hugh Jackman, James McAvoy, and Michael Fassbender.
X-Men: Days of Future Pastwas a pivotal entrant in theX-Menfranchise, with notable parallels withDeadpool & Wolverine.Firstly, the movie isinstrumental in resetting theX-Menmovie timeline, wherein Wolverine changes events in the past to fix the dystopian future. In many ways,Days of Future Pastsought to intertwine the two eras ofX-Menmovies. WhileDeadpool & Wolverinewill handle concluding the entire franchise.
In theDeadpool & Wolverinetrailer, Deadpool’s mention of Wolverine saving the entire universe and the implication that the X-Men are deceased align closely with the themes explored inDays of Future Past, suggesting Deadpool was referencing this event. Additionally,Days of Future Pastshowcases the high stakes and complexities of altering timelines, making it the perfect precursor to the pair’s adventures with the TVA inDeadpool & Wolverine.
Logan
Logan is set in a near future where an aging Wolverine, played by Hugh Jackman, takes care of a frail Professor Xavier, portrayed by Patrick Stewart, at a secluded location near the Mexican border. Their secluded existence is disrupted by the arrival of a young mutant, pursued by malevolent forces.
Loganis essential viewing beforeDeadpool & Wolverineas it marks the poignant conclusion of Hugh Jackman’s portrayal of Wolverine. Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman have assured fans thatWolverine’s death inLoganwill not be undone or retconned, implying that Wolverine inDeadpool & Wolverinewill be a variant or from earlier in the timeline. However, it’s highly likely that Deadpool himself will address this directly in the narrative.
Imagery from theDeadpool & Wolverinetrailer hints at a visit to the location of Logan’s death, further connecting the two films.Loganprovided a powerful and emotional end to Wolverine’s character arc, andDeadpool & Wolverinewill build upon this legacy, essentially continuing Jackman’s farewell appearance into a second movie. Understanding themes and developments inLoganis vital for appreciatingJackman’s reprisal inDeadpool & Wolverine.
Daredevil
Daredevil is a 2003 film featuring Ben Affleck as Matt Murdock, a lawyer blinded as a child who becomes the vigilante Daredevil. Utilizing his heightened senses, he battles crime in Hell’s Kitchen, facing off against villains such as Bullseye, portrayed by Colin Farrell, and crime lord Kingpin, played by Michael Clarke Duncan.
WatchingDaredevilbeforeDeadpool & Wolverinewould be helpful, primarily as it introduces Jennifer Garner’s Elektra. Garner’s Elektra is one of the firstconfirmed characters inDeadpool & Wolverine. She established very effectively inDaredevil,producing several highly memorable scenes, particularly the training sequence.
The solo follow-up,Elektra, failed to add significant depth to the character beyond her resurrection, makingDaredevilthe more critical film for understanding her origin and motivations. Additionally, it is rumored that Ben Affleck could cameo as Matt Murdock, makingDaredevilthe best overview of both characters. As another of Fox’s Marvel movies,Daredevilis part of the Marvel movie era thatDeadpool & Wolverinewill conclude for good, making it a worthwhile watch to appreciate the whole Fox Marvel franchise.
