As someone who’s spent countless hours immersed in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, I can confidently say that it’s high time for a fresh start. The post-Endgame era has been a rollercoaster ride, but it’s clear that we’ve reached the peak and now it’s time to come down.
Since its debut, “Deadpool & Wolverine” has surpassed expectations, solidifying itself as an impressive addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It’s been a blockbuster hit at the box office, leaving audiences amazed. In terms of both critical acclaim and financial success, it’s given Marvel Studios a significant victory during a period when the franchise has faced a dip in confidence among fans, and the comic book movie genre as a whole has seen some turbulence.
As of this writing, the MCU is more than halfway through Phase 5, which began in 2023 with “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania,” an unmitigated disaster of a sequel seemingly meant to launch the Multiverse Saga in earnest — particularly by formally introducing overarching villain Kang the Conqueror, a highly anticipated and teased character brought to life by Jonathan Majors, mere months before both he and Kang were dropped by the studio. And though “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” renewed some faith in Marvel’s ability to capture the same energy of its earlier work — albeit under the direction of James Gunn, who has departed the MCU to reboot the DC Universe with Peter Safran — “The Marvels” ended the year by bombing at the box office.
As a fan, I must express that Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman have once again demonstrated that the superhero genre continues to thrive. However, it’s uncertain if the MCU is on the right track. For them to be correct, the studio needs to learn from the triumphs and blunders of “Deadpool” and “Wolverine,” taking those lessons to heart for a brighter future.
There’s no replacing star power
During the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike, actors demonstrated nationwide that they cannot be substituted when it comes to generating promotional momentum. This is particularly evident in franchises like the MCU, where the audience becomes emotionally invested in the cast over extended periods of time, making them indispensable.
During the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s most successful years, both the production team and their acting troupe might be considered as having benefited excessively. Regardless if you were an original Avenger like Robert Downey Jr., a fresh face like Tom Holland, or just another actor taking on this role much like any other job, the goodwill surrounding these films made promoting them feel almost effortless. This isn’t to undermine the hard work actors put into publicizing these movies, but rather to highlight how enthusiastic and supportive the fan base was in the lead-up to “Avengers: Endgame.”
Currently, an abundance of average Marvel content has led viewers to place greater significance on promotional tours. Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman have responded admirably by putting their utmost effort into the marketing campaign, with Reynolds even contributing to its development. In the future, Marvel doesn’t merely require famous faces; they need dedicated partners who will wholeheartedly promote their projects.
The focus needs to return to story
Although Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman are nearly unparalleled in their roles as main actors for a Marvel film, they might overshadow one of the major problems with “Deadpool & Wolverine” – its plot. These two actors primarily make the movie successful as a broad action-comedy that’s intended to be enjoyed without much thought – the kind of film that easily brushes off criticism by saying, “You’re overthinking it.” However, just like the Marvel Cinematic Universe used to believe, films about costumed superheroes can also have captivating, thoughtful, and even intellectually stimulating stories.
As a die-hard fan of “Deadpool & Wolverine,” I must admit that while the overall response to the movie has been positive, critics have consistently pointed out flaws in its script. It seems they feel the screenplay places too much emphasis on cameos, action sequences, and Deadpool’s witty banter at the expense of substantial character development or thought-provoking themes. For some viewers, this might not be a big deal given that the Merc with a Mouth is known to shine in such lighthearted settings.
But what should ring alarm bells for Marvel is how this approach affects non-Deadpool characters, Wolverine in particular. Without real drama to engage with, he feels aimless and vague in the same way Paul Rudd’s Scott Lang and Brie Larson’s Carol Danvers did in their respective films. In other words, “Deadpool & Wolverine” is consistent in maintaining the MCU’s post-“Endgame” story problems, and an immediate shift in storytelling philosophy is necessary in order for the franchise to move forward.
Superhero supporting casts work
One distinctive aspect of “Deadpool & Wolverine” among superhero movies is that they boast an abundance of superheroes, which sets them apart from many other films in the genre. Traditionally, before the advent of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), the casting approach often aimed to minimize the number of costumed characters per film, typically featuring only one hero and one villain. The remaining roles were usually occupied by ordinary supporting characters such as love interests, best friends, or suspicious scientific or governmental figures acting as secondary antagonists. These characters are seldom intriguing on their own, often serving mainly for comic relief. However, even in this role, they’re limited in their impact within a genre primarily focused on the extraordinary.
In a Marvel film, numerous elements determine which superheroes make an appearance, ranging from practical to legal to artistic considerations. Regarding the creative aspect, one might envision a screenwriter, producer, or director fretting over the potential dilution of emotional authenticity if too many costumed characters are featured, whereas ordinary, identifiable individuals could foster this effect instead. However, as demonstrated by “Deadpool & Wolverine” in certain poignant scenes where it tackles its narrative seriously, these movies merely need to make these characters seem relatable for us to empathize with them.
Make the TV shows matter
One way to rephrase the statement in a more natural and easy-to-understand manner could be: The Disney+ MCU series share a common issue with Netflix shows of old – they seem insignificant. Although these TV shows feature characters who are crucial or have already made significant contributions to the shared universe’s narrative, their storylines appear disconnected from the broader events happening in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This gives the impression that fans are simply watching obligatory assignments during off-seasons rather than engaging with an integral part of the Marvel storyline.
Shows such as “Loki” and “WandaVision”, which had potential connections to cinema releases like “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” and “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness”, might appear optional or superfluous to their respective storylines. However, it’s not about excluding viewers who don’t watch the TV series; rather, it’s about providing more incentives for those who do engage with them.
In essence, the movie “Deadpool & Wolverine” boasts an unrivaled direct connection with a Marvel series (except for “The Marvels”), as its narrative revolves around the Time Variance Authority (TVA), a significant aspect of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) that is rarely explored in other productions. This focus on TVA enhances the impact of “Loki” and, consequently, gives the entire universe a tangible feel reminiscent of “Endgame.”
Technical designers make or break these movies
As a dedicated gamer and Marvel fan, I can’t help but sing the praises of “Deadpool & Wolverine.” The film stands out among its peers with some truly unforgettable sequences that have left me in awe since the epic battles seen in “Avengers: Endgame.”
Ray Chan held the role of production designer for the movie, with past experiences including this position on “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier” and “Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves,” and serving as the art director for the last three Avengers films. Sadly, Chan passed away a few months prior to the release of “Deadpool & Wolverine.” In an announcement, Ryan Reynolds stated that Chan was just as crucial creatively on “Deadpool & Wolverine” as the writers, director, and actors were (as reported by Deadline).
To create a lively and animated comic book feel for the movie, Chan benefited from costume designers Graham Churchyard and Mayes C. Rubeo (who brought the main characters’ costumes as depicted in the comics to life with vibrant detail), an extensive stunt team led by Daniel Stevens, Hugh Jackman’s longtime stunt double, and a visual effects team of over 500 individuals. Often overlooked after a movie is released, these artists played a crucial role – had they not put their best efforts into “Deadpool & Wolverine,” the movie would have been considerably weaker without their contributions.
Don’t spoil the movie in the trailers
It’s fair to conclude that every secret appearance in “Deadpool & Wolverine” has been revealed, as Ryan Reynolds promptly acknowledged the key contributors behind these surprising cameos just a week after the movie’s premiere, addressing his over 54 million Instagram fans with personal thank you messages.
In many conversations about posts like this one, people have expressed their disappointment when surprises from a movie are revealed before they get to watch it themselves. It becomes even more aggravating when the film itself spoils a significant plot point before audiences can experience it as originally intended. This happened when Marvel decided to showcase Dafne Keen’s X-23 character in their promotional materials leading up to release. This move was quite debated, causing Marvel chief Kevin Feige to address the issue, attributing it to both Keen’s wish to attend the premiere and the studio’s goal of highlighting the emotional aspect of the trailers.
For the second issue, it seems that the lack of alternative methods to present the film’s core emotions reveals the very problems with the story we previously addressed. However, a more effective approach would have been for Keen to attend the premiere and let genuine excitement spread naturally from her unexpected appearance. Unfortunately, the studio deprived the film of what might have been its most impactful emotional disclosure.
People love Channing Tatum’s Gambit
Among all the film’s guest appearances, none has made such a lasting impact on viewers as Channing Tatum’s portrayal of Gambit. Known for his role in “21 Jump Street,” Tatum had long been associated with the renowned X-Man, persistently attempting to bring about a solo movie, similar to how Ryan Reynolds pursued Deadpool.
With Gambit now appearing on the big screen, it appears both a daring move by Tatum and Reynolds and a last-ditch effort to produce the movie. Marvel now faces two significant decisions that require careful consideration. The first option is to succumb to fan demands and recruit Tatum as the MCU’s Remy LeBeau – a challenge, given that it might be difficult for Kevin Feige or Marvel Studios to initiate their own X-Men roster with a casting choice that, prior to the “Deadpool” craze, was often viewed skeptically by fans.
In essence, if the studio decides to replace him, they’ve essentially set up a scenario where their choice will constantly be measured against Channing Tatum, often unfairly so. Just like fans immediately showed strong loyalty towards John Krasinski’s appearance as Reed Richards, causing backlash against Pedro Pascal, Tatum is likely to become an unattainable benchmark that was never truly up for grabs in the first place.
Fans aren’t as protective as the studio thinks
Initially, when news broke about Hugh Jackman returning as Wolverine alongside Deadpool, fans experienced a blend of anticipation and apprehension. Considering his portrayal of the character was arguably the most touching and prosperous superhero farewell in history (though not setting an extremely high benchmark), director Shawn Levy needed to address fan concerns directly, repeatedly emphasizing through interviews that the film would preserve the character’s reputation until its premiere.
Despite the release of “Deadpool & Wolverine,” it might seem rather absurd to think that Hugh Jackman wearing the claws once more would diminish a movie that came out years ago, especially if it was the same Wolverine as in “Logan.” In reality, even if “Deadpool & Wolverine” had been poorly received by fans, it wouldn’t tarnish any previous Jackman film. On the contrary, “Deadpool & Wolverine” suggests that fans aren’t overly concerned with maintaining a specific continuity based on casting decisions and other non-storyline aspects.
Despite Wolverine’s brief return being self-contained and not heavily impacting the storyline, fans were thrilled to revisit the character. This paves the way for future projects that bring back familiar faces from the Marvel Cinematic Universe and beyond, potentially leading to more intricate narratives. Simultaneously, this suggests that either recasting Black Panther or Kang could have been a viable choice for the studio.
The mutants need a lot of work
Initially, it’s important to admit that we are still unsure about the specific strategies Marvel Studios intends to use when integrating mutants into the MCU. However, there have been hints suggesting their presence in at least three separate scenarios that appear unconnected (“Deadpool & Wolverine,” “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness,” and the post-credits scene of “The Marvels”). Characters resembling those from the comics, portrayed by actors who previously appeared in Fox’s productions, have been making appearances across these different universes.
It’s not surprising that Marvel, a franchise known for creating its characters from the beginning, might one day decide to recast the entire X-Men team to reboot their storyline. However, the nostalgic longing for Fox’s universe in “Deadpool & Wolverine” could make this transition more challenging. The occasional mutant appearances in these films seem disconnected and unclear compared to Marvel defining these characters in a way that aligns with their own vision.
On every aspect, from storytelling and mood to basic visual charm, Marvel Studios continues to maintain Fox in a sustained state, possibly broadening the fan base for this universe unintentionally. Even for those Marvel enthusiasts who didn’t live or weren’t old enough to experience the initial X-Men films (considering that most current middle and high school students were born after “X-Men Origins: Wolverine”), Marvel now finds itself reacquainting them with whatever their X-Men become. At this juncture, it seems likely that the studio will require a whole separate phase to effectively introduce them into the MCU.
The Post-Endgame era is over
The most important takeaway for Marvel Studios after “Deadpool & Wolverine” is that the MCU’s post-“Endgame” era needs to be finished. After raking in several billion dollars at the box office, the franchise reached peak cultural ubiquity (for better and for worse). The movies were no longer just popular blockbusters, but unmissable events.
Amidst the creative and industrial control, Marvel’s narratives gradually transitioned from the emotionally charged dramas that characterized the Infinity Saga to grand fan festivities. During the Infinity Saga, the MCU was marked by witty banter, interconnected plots, ongoing story arcs; in contrast, during the Multiverse Saga, it has so far been characterized more by references to other universes, cameos, catering to fans, and stories that are more self-contained like a single comic book issue rather than a part of an ongoing movie series.
In simpler terms, this version of the franchise appears to have run its course – otherwise, Deadpool and Wolverine wouldn’t be able to extract so much humor by poking fun at it. When a property reaches the point where it starts making fun of itself, it often indicates that it’s either nearing its end or requires a significant change in direction.
How likely is the MCU to learn these lessons?
To put it simply, it’s unlikely that Kevin Feige is using our site for guidance on managing his multibillion-dollar film studio, which he essentially built from scratch in a figurative cave with minimal resources. However, there are indications that his team and him share similar thought processes.
The upcoming Avengers films with Russo brothers and Robert Downey Jr. have been making news, but what catches our attention is the return of writer Stephen McFeely. His MCU movies have a unique storytelling style distinct from the Multiverse Saga, which could mean the new movies might feel more familiar to fans who loved the Infinity Saga’s narrative approach. Projects like “Thunderbolts” and “Captain America: Brave New World” suggest Marvel Studios is keen on creating stories that align more with TV series and have larger casts of superheroes and villains. However, the plot for “Captain America: Brave New World” has been kept secret due to a spoiler leak involving Harrison Ford’s Red Hulk character. Merchandise for an earlier release date had unintentionally revealed his appearance, but other than that, the film’s storyline remains shrouded in mystery.
Essentially, it appears that Feige and his team may already be implementing crucial adjustments, leaving the rest of us playing catch-up. However, whether these changes will continue the dynamic established by “Deadpool & Wolverine” is something we can only hope for with well-informed anticipation at this point.
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2024-09-01 14:31