Get ready for a wild ride as Deadpool teams up with Wolverine in this hilarious, action-packed romp through the multiverse.
This R-rated adventure sees Deadpool, the Merc with a Mouth, declare himself the "Marvel Jesus" as he attempts to bridge the gap between Fox's X-Men universe and the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Expect a meta-commentary on reboots, sequels, and Hollywood's obsession with nostalgia, with both tongue-in-cheek mockery and plenty of fan service thrown in for good measure.
Hugh Jackman's return to the role of Wolverine serves as a stark reminder of his irreplaceable presence, even in a light-hearted Deadpool film. The man carries serious gravitas, even when used as a punchline.
The film opens with a compelling sequence where Deadpool desecrates Wolverine's corpse, using his adamantium-coated bones as weapons to take down a swarm of TVA agents. This sets the stage for a wild journey through the multiverse, where the rules of time and space are bent and broken.
Unveiling the TVA: A Time-Twisting Agency
For those unfamiliar with the TVA (Time Variance Authority), it's an agency from the Loki TV series tasked with maintaining the stability of the multiverse. They achieve this by monitoring various timelines and "pruning" problematic ones.
Loki, the God of Mischief, finds the TVA's rigid system to be a paradox and chooses to sacrifice himself, restructuring the multiverse into the World Tree. This transforms him into the God of Stories, responsible for maintaining the infinite, ever-expanding strands of the multiverse. While the TVA still exists, it's reformed into a kinder, gentler organization that no longer "prunes" timelines.
However, Deadpool's universe has caught the attention of a rogue TVA agent, Mr. Paradox (Matthew Macfadyen), who wants to revert to the old ways and erase the X-Men universe. To achieve this, he seeks to utilize a device called the "Time Ripper," a new invention that allows for quick pruning of timelines.
Navigating Deadpool's Twisted Universe
The multiverse is a complex place, and Fox's X-Men universe was notoriously messy. Days of Future Past attempted to streamline the convoluted timelines, but consistency remained elusive.
Deadpool & Wolverine retcons Fox's X-Men universe (Earth-10005) as Deadpool's original universe. This decision, while somewhat confusing due to inconsistencies, ultimately creates a cleaner narrative.
The film introduces the concept of "Anchor Beings," heroes so crucial that they literally hold up their entire universe. When these heroes die, their universe slowly fades away. Paradox, impatient to wait for this natural decay, targets the Deadpool/X-Men universe.
Hugh Jackman's Wolverine is revealed as the Anchor for this universe. His tragic death in Logan marked the end of this timeline. Thus, Deadpool must find a replacement Anchor to save his universe.
Deadpool's MCU Audition
Using Cable's time-travel device from Deadpool 2, Deadpool travels to the MCU (Earth-616) to request a spot on the Avengers team. However, he is deemed too selfish and is rejected by Happy Hogan. Interestingly, this visit occurs just before the events of Infinity War, where the Avengers could have used a regenerative ally, even if he was annoying.
Finding a New Wolverine
After the death of Wolverine, Deadpool steals a TempPad from the TVA and embarks on a multiverse-spanning search for a suitable replacement. He stumbles upon a dejected Wolverine who has failed as a hero and wears a comic-accurate costume in memory of his fallen friends.
This Wolverine seems to be aware of the Avengers, implying that his universe has both the X-Men and the Avengers, just like the future of the MCU. After fighting Paradox and Cassandra Nova, the failed Wolverine steps up to become the new Anchor of the Deadpool/X-Men universe, filling the void left by the legendary Wolverine.
The Sacrificial Ending
While Paradox wants to tear up old universes, Cassandra Nova seeks to destroy every branch of the multiverse, aiming to rule the Void. Wolverine and Deadpool battle against various Deadpools, finally reaching the TVA. They learn that the only way to stop the Time Ripper is through self-sacrifice.
Wolverine is willing to sacrifice himself, having failed his old universe, but Deadpool also desires redemption for his selfishness. They join hands, sacrificing themselves together. This fusion of their regenerative powers allows both to survive, ensuring the return of Hugh Jackman's Wolverine.
A Multiverse in Flux
At the end of the film, Deadpool remains in his original X-Men universe with his friends, along with Wolverine and X-23. The end-credits scene is a humorous jab at Chris Evans' Human Torch, highlighting Deadpool's TempPad and his potential future appearances in the MCU, likely in Secret Wars.
The identity of the MCU's Anchor Being remains shrouded in mystery, but it's sure to be explored in upcoming Avengers sequels. The ending teases a possible encounter between Deadpool and Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom, potentially in Avengers: Doomsday.
Deadpool & Wolverine promises a wild, hilarious, and action-packed journey through the multiverse, showcasing the power of redemption and the importance of even the most unlikely heroes. Get ready to witness the clash of universes, the return of a legendary hero, and the rise of a new champion.