Marvel Studios has seen better times. Ever since the release of Avengers: Endgame in 2019, which grossed over $2.79 billion worldwide and became the second-highest-grossing film of all time, the studio has struggled to maintain its dominance and generate profit. Recent releases have not only underperformed at the box office but have also faced vocal criticism from fans.
Eternals (2021) and Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023) were met with mixed reviews, struggling to captivate audiences as earlier Marvel films had. Eternals, which grossed $402 million, was a disappointment for the studio, resulting in an estimated $52.6 million loss for Disney, according to Forbes. Quantumania, despite high expectations, didn’t perform much better, losing $38 million and grossing only $476 million worldwide. Fans have been calling for more focused, character-driven stories rather than expansive, interconnected universes that require the viewer to have knowledge of previous movies.
After years of constant struggle, the studio has taken notice of the calls made by fans. Recognizing the demand for a return to the characters and storylines that made Marvel so popular, the studio is leaning heavily into nostalgia. This strategy includes reviving some of its original characters and iconic teams like the Fantastic Four, who are set to make their debut in a much-anticipated movie in July 2025.
Directed by Shawn Levy, Deadpool & Wolverine brings Ryan Reynolds back as Wade Wilson, aka Deadpool, the crass, rude, and annoyingly hilarious trickster with healing capabilities and his first time in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Alongside him, Hugh Jackman returns as Logan, aka Wolverine, the wolf-clawed mutant with a no-nonsense attitude.
The film is rated R, evident in the overly exaggerated, bloody, and violent fight scenes that are both shocking and entertaining. Both characters start off at odds, exchanging obscene insults throughout much of the movie. Dialogue is directed at the audience, creating a cycle of laughter. Their rocky relationship provides constant comedy for the audience, with Deadpool’s sarcasm and Wolverine’s gruff unenthusiasm creating on-screen chemistry that clashes in every scene. As the film progresses, they’re forced to put their differences aside to face a larger threat that spans multiple realities.
However, the most exciting part of the film came in the form of cameos. Longtime fans were shocked to see Chris Evans return as Johnny Storm, aka the Human Torch, especially since many thought he would reprise his role as Captain America. Jennifer Garner was cast as Elektra, Wesley Snipes as Blade, Dafne Keen as X-23, and Channing Tatum as Gambit. Fans had been eagerly waiting for Tatum’s debut in the MCU and the film didn’t disappoint.
The film wastes no time in delivering action either. In fact, the opening fight scene has been widely praised by critics, with many calling it “the best intro in Marvel history.” In just the first five minutes, audiences are treated to an intense and thrilling scene that sets the tone and excitement for the rest of the movie. Now the highest-grossing R-rated film in history, Deadpool & Wolverine promises to be a standout entry in the MCU.
