In a surprising twist, the upcoming film “Deadpool & Wolverine” was nearly transformed into a comedic remake of one of the least favored entries in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, “Thor: The Dark World.” Ryan Reynolds, the actor and co-screenwriter behind the Deadpool franchise, has been vocal about the creative process leading up to this film, especially before Hugh Jackman was confirmed to reprise his role as Wolverine.
Initially, Reynolds and director Shawn Levy faced the challenge of crafting a compelling narrative for a third Deadpool film without Wolverine. In the early stages, Reynolds envisioned a “Rashomon style” road trip movie featuring Deadpool and Wolverine. However, the acquisition of Fox by Disney complicated matters, leading to the abandonment of that concept. Reynolds later revealed that he had explored various treatments for the film, including a low-budget indie approach reminiscent of a Sundance film.
Producer Wendy Jacobson shed light on some of these early ideas during an interview. She mentioned that one of the pitches combined the road trip concept with a low-budget aesthetic, suggesting a “Sundance-size road trip with Dopinder,” Deadpool’s taxi-driving sidekick. This idea, while intriguing, was just one of many options on the table.
One of the most outlandish concepts discussed was a frame-for-frame remake of the first act of “Thor: The Dark World.” Jacobson recounted Reynolds’ pitch, noting that it was a humorous choice given the film’s reputation as one of the worst in the MCU. The opening of “Thor: The Dark World,” narrated by Anthony Hopkins, sets a dark tone that would have been hilariously juxtaposed with Deadpool’s irreverent humor. Imagining Deadpool’s antics intertwined with the serious narrative of the Dark Elves is a comedic goldmine that could have left audiences in stitches.
Interestingly, remnants of this idea may still appear in the final product. In a nod to “Thor: The Dark World,” there is footage in the film where Deadpool witnesses his own demise in Thor’s arms, utilizing recycled footage from the earlier film but with Deadpool humorously replacing Loki, played by Tom Hiddleston.
Another abandoned concept for “Deadpool & Wolverine” involved a comedic take on famous MCU scenes, akin to the time heist in “Avengers: Endgame.” This idea would have showcased iconic moments from the MCU but from Deadpool’s perspective, highlighting his exclusion from these pivotal scenes. While this concept could have been entertaining, it risks becoming repetitive if stretched over an entire film.
Ultimately, “Deadpool & Wolverine” has taken a different direction, allowing for a fresh approach that still pays homage to the MCU while avoiding a direct parody of its past films. The creative team has found a way to incorporate numerous cameos and references without resorting to a greatest hits format.
As fans eagerly await the release of “Deadpool & Wolverine,” the journey of its development reveals the complexities and challenges of creating a sequel that honors the beloved characters while also pushing the boundaries of storytelling. The film promises to deliver the humor and action fans have come to expect, while also exploring new territory in the Marvel universe.
Source: /Film
