Earlier this week, Deadpool & Wolverine director Shawn Levy addressed the pressure that comes with helming a movie many believe is going to "save" the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
While an argument could be made that it doesn't need saving, Marvel Studios has made some missteps in recent years and, with so much talk of "superhero fatigue," is in desperate need of a win. As it happens, Wade Wilson and Logan could be the duo that delivers just that.
In this feature, we're exploring why 2024's only MCU movie may indeed be the one that rescues this franchise. From early box office projections to fan-pleasing cameos, and its place in the wider Multiverse Saga, Deadpool & Wolverine looks set to be crucial to Marvel Studios' continued success.
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5. The Team-Up We've Been Waiting For
A big part of the reason Spider-Man: No Way Home broke box office records is because fans and moviegoers were positively buzzing over the possibility of Tom Holland sharing the screen with Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield.
That team-up was only ever rumoured and hinted at, so the fact Deadpool & Wolverine's marketing campaign has put these two front and centre will only further build excitement. After all, even the most casual Marvel fan has dreamed of seeing Jackman and Reynolds share the screen as these iconic characters.
Marvel Studios has struggled to please fans in recent years, with the likes of The Marvels, Thor: Love and Thunder, and Secret Invasion falling flat. Deadpool & Wolverine, however, can make up for that in a big way.
4. It's Already Breaking Records
While it's vital that Deadpool & Wolverine be a good movie, money talks, and all signs point to this threequel making a whole heap of it.
The movie has already broken several ticket-selling records, with many of those relating specifically to R-Rated movies. There have been some concerns the older rating would put a dent in box office takings; instead, the Merc with the Mouth and Logan are on track to shatter the records set by 2019's Oscar-nominated Joker.
As we write this, there's talk of a domestic opening weekend that could range from $200 million - $239 million. Those are pre-COVID numbers and, with a Chinese day-and-date release also secured, we're betting on a $500 million global debut.
That would vanquish talk of "superhero fatigue," eh?
3. It Can Fix The Multiverse
Marvel Studios first teased the existence of the Multiverse in Avengers: Endgame with the introduction of time travel. Since then, it's been a mixed bag, with some great takes on the premise (Loki and Spider-Man: No Way Home) and others which have underwhelmed.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness proved very hit-and-miss, and the "rules" have become increasingly convincing. Why do some Variants look the same and others don't? How do Incursions work again? And where is all of this going?
While Deadpool & Wolverine needs to keep the spotlight on its titular duo, Marvel Studios has the opportunity here to better explain the Muiltiverse and what it means for the MCU moving forward.
2. Showcasing Variants Fans WANT To See
We're all fans here and have high expectations for what the Multiverse means for the MCU. While Avengers 5 and Avengers: Secret Wars will likely be where we get the biggest cameos, Deadpool & Wolverine can also deliver the goods in that respect.
Multiple versions of Doctor Strange and characters like Black Bolt and Mister Fantastic are one thing; however, this movie can follow in the footsteps of Spider-Man: No Way Home by bringing back the X-Men and even characters from the Fantastic Four franchise.
20th Century Fox made a great many missteps with its Marvel offerings, but those heroes and villains remain both iconic and beloved. There's another reason their presence here will be crucial for the Multiverse Saga...
1. Setting The Stage For Avengers 5
It's been far too long since we've seen The Avengers assemble in the MCU, and whatever Marvel Studios once had planned for these movies has likely changed significantly in recent years.
With Kang the Conqueror sidelined, a Multiversal Avengers vs. X-Men tale would be a perfect premise for Avengers 5. With their two worlds colliding, the teams going to war before an inevitable team-up is a thrilling prospect and Deadpool and Wolverine can be smack bang in the middle.
The Marvels laid the groundwork for this and, with a couple of post-credits scenes, Deadpool & Wolverine can do the same. With that, Avengers 5 would go from an anticipated movie to one we all can't wait to see!