Deadpool & Wolverine (2024) is the 34th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and the sequel to Deadpool (2016) and Deadpool 2 (2018). It’s directed by Shawn Levy and stars Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman respectively star as Wade Wilson / Deadpool and Logan / Wolverine… but you already knew all of that. Cast also includes Emma Corrin, Morena Baccarin, Rob Delaney, Leslie Uggams, Matthew Macfadyen… and a SLEW of cameos.
I went to this movie on opening weekend and I’m just now getting around to sitting down and putting virtual pen to paper for this review.
SPOILER ALERT: This review will talk openly about plot points of the film. If you want to be totally spoiler free skip this review until you’ve watched it. You’ve been warned. There are some BIG things that will be spoiled.
Deadpool & Wolverine – Plot and Thoughts
We’ve got time travel. We’ve got multi-verse nonsense. We’ve got ‘the void’ and we’ve got a gang of jokes about Twentieth Century Fox and Disney. Let me see if I can do a plot summary some sort of justice. After sitting with this one for a while the plot is where Deadpool & Wolverine is SUPER thin. Luckily it’s also SUPER fun along the way.
After Wade Wilson uses Cable’s time-travel device to prevent the death Vanessa Carlysle (as seen in Deadpool 2), he travels from his universe, to another universe known as the “Sacred Timeline” (huh?). He’s wanting to join the Avengers to give his life purpose. The first cameo of the film comes when we get Jon Favreau returning as Happy Hogan who immediately rejects Wade’s request to join the Avengers. Wade returns to his own universe and we fast forward to a time where he’s broken up with Vanessa and retired from being Deadpool to live a mundane life as a used-car salesman.
Wade celebrates a birthday with the few friends he’s got and the Time Variance Authority (TVA) appears. Yes, this is the same TVA from the Loki series, though I wouldn’t consider Loki required viewing to enjoy this film.
Let’s get that right out of the way… you don’t REALLY need to have seen any of the other MCU or X-Men films to enjoy this, but if you have you’ll enjoy this a hell of a lot more. If you’ve watched those films at least once, and have a good understanding of who Logan is you’ll get probably 70% of the stuff in here. For another 20% you’ll need to watch Logan, all the MCU and X-Men films. To get that final 10% you’ll have to go DEEP into comic book lore and really know your stuff not only from the source material but also from pop culture. The good news… that level of involvement isn’t necessary to enjoy this. If you’re brand spanking new to Wolverine and Deadpool and you’re looking for the bare minimum I’d say watch the OG Deadpool flick and Logan.
Back to this film…
So the TVA captures Wade, shit happens and Wade has to search for a variant Logan to replace his own. Eventually Wade and Logan end up in the Void where all things are consumed by a big dust monster. It’s got a name, that I don’t remember, but it doesn’t matter. In the void we have a slew of cameos and returning characters including none other than Chris Evans playing NOT Captain America but Johnny Storm. We meet the big bad of film, Professor X’s twin sister Cassandra Nova who’s effectively an overpowered version of her brother.
From here it’s twists and turns, Deadpool variants galore, returning Marvel and X-Men characters including Laura (X-23), Elektra (reprised by Jennifer Garner), Blade (Wesley Snipes!) and Gambit (Chann Tatum). We get a macguffin device called the Time Ripper (couldn’t we come up with a better name?) and Wolvie and Deadpool have to work together to destroy it and save the day thereby saving the timeline, killing the big bad and making everything right with the world.
Performances
Ryan Reynolds IS Deadpool. He’s nailed this role SO hard that it’s difficult to ever imagine anyone else playing the role. Something that, I believe Pip pointed out during this episode of the podcast: Definitive Roles – Episode 56. He’s got a signature blend of sarcasm, charm, and yes, even a bit of vulnerability to the character. His comedic timing is impeccable, and his chemistry with Hugh Jackman is electric but I do have to say that this is pretty much the only role Ryan Reynolds plays. He plays Ryan Reynolds turned up to eleven… and that’s Deadpool. If you don’t like that character you’re going to get REALLY irritated here. A fact that Wolverine points out.
Jackman, reprising his role as Wolverine, delivers a powerful performance that reminds us why he has been the definitive Logan for nearly two decades. He’s just PERFECT and this R-rated version of Logan may be my favorite performance yet. His portrayal of Wolverine’s inner turmoil and reluctant heroism adds depth to the film where there really isn’t much depth to be had.
This flick is peppered with hilarious one-liners, meta-references, broken fourth walls and visual gags that are sure to please Deadpool fans. And while the humor does feel relentless at times there are a few moments of genuine connection between Deadpool and Wolverine that provide a surprising amount of heart. It’s pretty clear that Reynolds and Jackman are friends off screen and it shows here. True bromance.
Deadpool & Wolverine – Final Thoughts
Deadpool & Wolverine is a fantastic addition to the superhero genre especially at a time when the MCU could really use a shot in the arm. This R-rated offering is a fresh take on two iconic characters even though it’s short on story. For all the story short comings I found myself smiling most of the way through the film and for that reason alone this is a strong recommend.
I’m really interested to see where the MCU goes from here. Since the release of this film it’s been announced that Robert Downey Jr. is coming back to the franchise NOT as Tony Stark but as Dr. Doom himself. I’m sort of hoping we get rid of the concept of the multiverse and get back to just telling compelling stories but I just don’t see how they can do that now. Time will tell but if Deadpool & Wolverine is any indication of the trajectory of the franchise we’re headed in the right direction.
Have you seen Deadpool & Wolverine? Leave me a comment with your thoughts!
