In a bold move that could have significantly altered the Marvel Cinematic Universe, an adventurous concept involving Deadpool and Wolverine was scrapped before its potential transformation. For fans eager for a new chapter, it was worth the wait to see Ryan Reynolds back as the iconic antihero after a six-year hiatus following the success of 2018’s Deadpool 2. The much-anticipated third film, titled Deadpool & Wolverine, marked the long-awaited on-screen collaboration between Reynolds and Hugh Jackman as Wolverine, and it has proven to be a box office triumph, emerging as one of the biggest films of 2024.
The creative journey to bring this film to life was filled with numerous outlandish ideas before settling on the celebrated team-up. The documentary “Assembled: The Making of Deadpool & Wolverine,” currently available on Disney+, provides invaluable insights from the filmmakers about the extensive process behind crafting the movie. Ryan Reynolds himself remarked that there were around 19 or 20 different concepts tossed into the mix, showcasing a wide array of possibilities.
Kevin Feige, head of Marvel Studios, turned down several potential themes for Deadpool 3, which even included a lower-budget indie version, but none were strong enough to earn the green light. One notable challenge was incorporating Deadpool into the broader tapestry of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Producer Wendy Jacobson revealed one intriguing solution: a concept called “Deadpool’s Deleted Scenes Extravaganza,” suggesting that Deadpool had been lurking within the MCU all along, merely unseen due to cutting room decisions.
An early idea that Reynolds pitched involved a frame-for-frame remake of Thor: The Dark World, at least up until the first act; showcasing the myriad avenues this film could have taken had Marvel opted for a different direction. The whimsical notion of Deadpool blending with characters like Thanos illustrates a meta-approach fitting for the character, although its practicality within the MCU remains debatable. Ultimately, the creative team chose to forgo this ambitious concept.
Feige explained that they invested considerable effort collaborating with Reynolds to discover the best storyline, praising Reynolds for his unwavering dedication to the character and his pivotal role in bringing Deadpool to life on the big screen. It’s crucial to acknowledge that Hugh Jackman played an instrumental role in reviving Deadpool 3 when he expressed a desire to participate, propelling the project forward.
Under the guidance of director Shawn Levy, known for his work on Real Steel and The Adam Project, Deadpool & Wolverine reached dazzling heights, claiming the status of the highest-grossing R-rated film in history. The successful integration of these beloved characters into the MCU unfolded without resorting to the initially conceived gimmicks, proving that while they may have provided an entertaining twist, practicality ruled the day.
Now streaming on Disney+, Deadpool & Wolverine is also available for purchase in 4K, Blu-ray, and DVD formats.
