Wade Wilson, aka the wisecracking mercenary Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds), has hung up his weapons and is attempting to lead a mundane life as a typical American office worker after the events of Deadpool 2 (2018). However, adjusting to this normalcy proves challenging, especially when agents from the Time Variance Authority (TVA), the multiverse’s timeline regulators, show up. When Deadpool discovers that his timeline is at risk of being erased, he embarks on a quest across the multiverse to find the right Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) to help him prevent the destruction.
Despite a plot that might unravel with the slightest scrutiny and fight scenes that are as gory as they are humorous, the film surprisingly delivers a mix of chaos and genuine comedy.
Directed by Canadian filmmaker Shawn Levy (Free Guy, 2021; Night at the Museum trilogy, 2006-2014), this third installment of Deadpool is the only Marvel superhero movie of 2024, building up significant anticipation.
Deadpool & Wolverine marks a departure from the previous Deadpool films, particularly because it is the first in the series since Disney’s acquisition of Fox. Previously, Deadpool thrived outside Disney’s sanitized Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), with the character and the X-Men mutants belonging to 20th Century Fox.
The first two Deadpool films catered to those who weren’t keen on traditional superhero movies, offering a gritty, adult-oriented twist that nearly parodied the genre. Reynolds’ Deadpool frequently broke the fourth wall to mock his Fox superhero cohorts.
Now, under Disney’s ownership, does the new Deadpool film retain its edge? Fans need not worry. The film maintains its sharp wit, juvenile humor, and biting commentary on the superhero genre.
The movie remains true to its roots with plenty of F-bombs, graphic violence, and frequent jabs at other superheroes, including those from rival studios. The most “Disney-esque” element is its placement within the post-Avengers: Endgame (2019) MCU phase, dealing with multiverses and timelines, with some elements tied to Disney+ content.
However, like many time-travel and multiverse films, Deadpool & Wolverine faces issues with stakes and permanence. The ability to undo events means that significant character deaths, like Wolverine’s in Logan (2017), can feel undermined. Yet, the emotional weight of seeing characters like Jackman’s Logan and Dafne Keen’s Laura/X-23 together again, despite the artificial nature of the reunion, brings an unexpected depth to the film.
In summary: Marvel’s most irreverent hero returns in top form, packed with superhero cameos, more face stabbings, and a heightened dose of toilet humor.