Going into the much-anticipated film “Deadpool & Wolverine,” many fans speculated that it would mark a definitive conclusion to the X-Men movies produced by 20th Century Fox. With Kevin Feige’s involvement in the earlier X-Men films, it was believed that the franchise had seen its fair share of missteps and that a fresh start was necessary for Marvel’s mutants. However, the film took an unexpected turn, preserving the Fox Universe and leaving the door open for potential future appearances within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
In the early moments of “Deadpool & Wolverine,” TVA agent Mr. Paradox introduces a new concept to the MCU’s time travel rules. He explains that each universe has an “Anchor Being,” a character whose existence is crucial to the timeline. The death of Wolverine in “Logan” had begun to weaken the Fox Universe, but instead of accepting Mr. Paradox’s offer to transition into the mainline Marvel Universe, Deadpool, played by Ryan Reynolds, devises a plan to save his universe. He pulls a less significant version of Wolverine from another timeline, successfully bringing him into the Fox Universe.
The film concludes with Deadpool welcoming Wolverine, portrayed by Hugh Jackman, and X-23, played by Dafne Keen, into his home. They share a meal with Deadpool’s supporting cast, suggesting that the Fox Universe will continue to thrive. This development not only keeps the legacy of the Fox X-Men alive but also provides Kevin Feige with a plausible reason to reintroduce beloved characters like Wolverine, Storm, and Professor X into the MCU.
Feige’s decision to keep the Fox Universe accessible is not surprising, especially considering the buzz generated by Jackman’s return. The film is projected to open with impressive box office numbers, reminiscent of the excitement surrounding “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” which successfully brought back previous Spider-Man actors. The MCU is currently navigating its Multiverse Saga, which is expected to culminate in “Avengers: Secret Wars.” This storyline hints at the possibility of crossovers that could include characters from the Fox Universe, making it a strategic move for Feige to maintain access to these characters.
Rumors have circulated that the lead-up to “Secret Wars” may involve the TVA assembling a multiversal team of Avengers, potentially featuring Jackman’s Wolverine alongside other iconic characters. While plans for the next Avengers film have shifted, the idea of integrating the Fox Universe into the MCU remains enticing for both fans and actors alike.
However, the notion of revisiting the Fox Universe raises concerns about the potential for diminishing returns. Hollywood often struggles with the balance between nostalgia and innovation, and the reliance on familiar characters can lead to a sense of fatigue among audiences. The excitement surrounding cameos may fade, leaving viewers yearning for fresh narratives rather than recycled storylines.
Moreover, the recent controversies surrounding Jonathan Majors, who was set to play Kang the Conqueror, have prompted Marvel to rethink its future plans. With Majors’ removal from upcoming projects, the direction of the Multiverse Saga is uncertain. The mid-credit sequence of “Deadpool & Wolverine” features a nostalgic montage of footage from all 20th Century Fox superhero movies, evoking a sense of closure and signaling a desire to move forward rather than dwell on the past.
As the MCU continues to evolve, it is essential to acknowledge the contributions of the Fox Universe while also embracing new stories and characters. The film’s ending serves as a reminder that while the past holds significance, the future of superhero storytelling lies in innovation and exploration.
“Deadpool & Wolverine” is currently in theaters, and its impact on the future of the MCU and the legacy of the Fox X-Men franchise remains to be seen. The film’s ability to bridge these two worlds opens up exciting possibilities for fans, but it also underscores the importance of crafting compelling narratives that resonate with audiences.
Source: Den of Geek, Marvel Studios
