The marketing for Deadpool 3 featuring Wolverine has certainly grabbed attention, especially with its controversial popcorn bucket. This lewd piece of merchandise, revealed at the end of May, has left fans both shocked and amused. The bucket, often seen dripping with butter, depicts Wolverine with a gaping mouth, ready to be filled with popcorn. Fans have embraced the humor, celebrating how it aligns with Deadpool and Wolverine’s crude style, with some even turning the bucket into an action figure.
However, Denis Villeneuve, the director of Dune, isn’t as impressed. In a light-hearted jab during an interview with Canadian entertainment outlet Etalk, Villeneuve commented that Deadpool 3’s popcorn bucket doesn’t come close to the infamous “wormussy” from Dune. “They are tremendously jealous of our bucket, and they are doing their best to try to bring something horrific to the world. But the Dune bucket is unmatchable, I think,” Villeneuve said.
The debate over popcorn buckets isn’t new. These collectibles have long been popular among fans, especially at theme parks like Disney World. Recently, they’ve become a significant part of movie marketing, with theaters offering them as add-ons. Following the success of Dune’s Sand Worm popcorn bucket, other themed buckets and merchandise have been released, including Inside Out 2 emotions buckets and Despicable Me 4 cup holders.
Currently, the Dune and Deadpool & Wolverine popcorn buckets are competing for fan appeal. While Villeneuve believes the Dune bucket is superior, he doesn’t entirely dismiss the Deadpool 3 bucket. “I’m not saying I don’t like the bucket,” he said. “I’m just saying it was difficult to beat the Dune bucket.”
Deadpool & Wolverine is set to hit theaters on July 26. Until then, fans can delve into various aspects of the movie, from its new pizza line to the numerous cameos expected. The marketing for Deadpool 3 has been full of hilarious details, with the popcorn bucket being a standout. Designed to look like a sex toy, fans have been seen shoving their hands into Wolverine’s mouth to grab popcorn, adding to the film’s crude humor.
Villeneuve’s comments to ETalk highlight the playful rivalry between the two movies. “They are tremendously jealous of our bucket. They are doing their best to try and bring something horrific to the world. But the Dune bucket is unmatchable. The Dune bucket was one of a kind,” he said.
While Dune and Deadpool aren’t directly competing at the box office, the comparison between their popcorn buckets has become a fun topic of discussion. The Dune franchise, known for its serious tone, contrasts sharply with the lighter, joke-filled Deadpool movies. This difference in tone is part of why Ryan Reynolds’ franchise had to poke fun at the Dune popcorn bucket, which went viral.
As fans await the potential green light for Dune Messiah, all eyes are on Deadpool & Wolverine’s upcoming release. The chemistry between Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds, teased in the trailers, has fans excited. The movie’s mysterious runtime leaves room for numerous surprises, including potential appearances from various characters from Fox’s X-Men franchise. Rumored names include Halle Berry’s Storm, Patrick Stewart’s Professor X, Famke Janssen’s Jean Grey, and Jennifer Garner’s Elektra. There’s even speculation about Taylor Swift possibly playing Dazzler or Lady Deadpool.
All will be revealed when Deadpool & Wolverine hits theaters on July 26. For now, fans can look forward to the 2025 movie release dates and continue to enjoy the playful banter between the Dune and Deadpool franchises.
Source: Etalk, Canadian entertainment outlet
