Fans of the Deadpool franchise have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of the third installment, but they may be in for a slightly different experience than expected. Director Shawn Levy has revealed that the upcoming film, titled “Deadpool and Wolverine,” is intentionally not being called “Deadpool 3” as it represents a departure from the previous two movies.
“It’s the third Deadpool movie, but it’s not Deadpool 3,” Levy told ScreenRant. “It’s a different thing that’s very much Deadpool and Wolverine. And it’s not trying to copycat anything from the first two movies. They were awesome, but this is a two-hander character adventure.”
Levy, who is known for his work on the hit series “Stranger Things,” expressed his excitement at the opportunity to bring together two of Marvel’s most iconic characters, played by Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman. He said, “As far as crafting the Deadpool and Wolverine story, I just felt privileged every day because you’re talking about two massive movie stars in their most iconic roles.”
Early screenings of the film have been “extremely, extremely promising,” according to Levy, who revealed that the filmmaking team learned where they could tighten the pacing and where they could slow down to allow for “more durable character moments.”
While fans may have been expecting a straightforward continuation of the Deadpool franchise, Levy’s comments suggest that “Deadpool and Wolverine” will offer a unique and character-driven experience that sets it apart from its predecessors. The director’s emphasis on the “two-hander” nature of the story, with both Deadpool and Wolverine sharing the spotlight, hints at a more balanced and nuanced exploration of the two heroes’ dynamic.
The film’s R-rating also remains intact, much to the delight of fans who have come to expect the Deadpool franchise’s signature brand of irreverent, foul-mouthed humor. In fact, Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige has even teased that the movie will feature the “first utterance of the word ‘pegging’ in a Disney movie history,” as well as a “intentionally gross” popcorn bucket to rival the one from “Dune: Part Two.”
With the excitement surrounding the return of Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine and the promise of a fresh, character-driven take on the Deadpool story, “Deadpool and Wolverine” is shaping up to be a must-see event for Marvel fans when it hits theaters this July.
