With “Deadpool & Wolverine” now in theaters, fans are buzzing about the film’s implications for the Marvel universe, especially regarding its ending. This latest installment brings back beloved characters and offers a unique blend of humor and nostalgia, while also hinting at the future of the franchise.
The film marks a significant moment for Marvel, as it features characters from the Fox X-Men universe interacting with the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). This crossover has been highly anticipated since the Disney-Fox merger in 2019, which granted Marvel the rights to the X-Men and related characters. However, their appearances in the MCU have been limited, with only a few cameos so far.
In “Deadpool & Wolverine,” the Time Variance Authority (TVA) from “Loki” plays a crucial role, allowing Deadpool and Wolverine to navigate through timelines. Many fans expected this film to set the stage for a more extensive integration of the X-Men into the MCU. However, it seems that the movie serves more as a farewell to the previous iterations of these characters rather than a launchpad for future stories.
William Goodman, a contributor to GQ, shared his thoughts on the film, noting that it feels like a tribute to the past. The movie features a montage during the credits that showcases behind-the-scenes footage from the Fox films, set to Green Day’s “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life).” This nostalgic touch emphasizes the film’s theme of closure for these characters.
The plot revolves around Deadpool’s attempt to save Wolverine from his fate in “Logan.” However, the film makes it clear that the version of Wolverine from “Logan” is indeed gone, and Deadpool must recruit a different version of the character from the timeline. This twist reinforces the idea that the film is more about honoring the past than paving the way for the future.
While the action sequences and emotional arcs of Deadpool and Wolverine are well-executed, the humor is hit or miss. Some jokes land perfectly, while others fall flat. Despite this, the film is expected to perform well at the box office, potentially breaking records and proving that Marvel characters can still draw audiences.
Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige has described “Deadpool & Wolverine” as having a significant impact, ranking it an “eight” out of ten. However, the film’s conclusion leaves viewers with more questions than answers about the future of the MCU. Deadpool returns to his universe, and the only existing MCU characters he interacts with are from previous projects, leaving fans wondering how this film fits into the larger narrative.
The film’s ending suggests that Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine may not be gone for good, as a new variant of the character is introduced. This opens the door for potential future appearances in upcoming Marvel projects, including the highly anticipated “Secret Wars.”
As the Marvel universe continues to evolve, fans are left speculating about the direction of the franchise. With Comic-Con International approaching, there is hope for announcements that will clarify Marvel’s future plans. The creative team behind Marvel needs to communicate their intentions clearly, especially regarding the multiverse and the new Avengers team.
In summary, “Deadpool & Wolverine” serves as both a celebration of the past and a potential bridge to the future. While it may not provide all the answers fans are looking for, it successfully blends humor, nostalgia, and action, making it a noteworthy addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Source: GQ, USA TODAY
