Deadpool & Wolverine Superbowl Teaser Breakdown
In a world where everyone is getting sick of superhero films, one anti-hero might be the one to save the Marvel Cinematic Universe. And he’ll do it with a cool outfit, a ton of guns, and no regard for the fourth wall. At least, that is what the Superbowl trailer for the next Deadpool film wants fans to think. Given how hilarious the past two films have been and how good Ryan Reynolds has been playing the Merc with a Mouth, they might be right. Or, as Wade Wilson puts himself, he’s going to become Marvel Jesus.
He really says that. We cannot make this up.
Wade Gets Dragged into the MCU to Become Marvel Jesus
At the start of the teaser, Wade’s celebrating his birthday alongside all his friends and loved ones. Not only is he sporting a blonde wig, referencing the time he went blonde in the comics, but Vanessa and Peter are there. That confirms that the mid-credits scene where Deadpool goes back in time and prevents their deaths did happen and wasn’t just a joke. The real plot starts when the TVA pulls him away from the party. AKA, the time police from the MCU that keeps its multiverse from collapsing on itself. A quick scuffle later, Wade’s hauled off by the TVA, where they explain there’s some significant threat to the MCU they need his help on. Wade’s response? He’s going to become Marvel Jesus, the messiah of the MCU.
While the line’s meant to seem like a joke, Marvel fans and execs are likely taking it seriously. Despite several successes, the consensus amongst fans and critics is that the MCU is in a state of decline. Last year had Secret Invasion, whose ending everyone agreed was terrible, and The Marvels, a loss for Disney. Even I’m starting to get turned off by the MCU, and I’ve been a fan of Marvel since before it was cool.
What Deadpool & Wolverine is is the chance for Marvel to inject some new blood into the MCU. Disney still runs it despite how hard it’s been willing to push the envelope regarding superhero films. Disney isn’t known for being liberal when it comes to pointless violence, swearing, and the like. As Deadpool makes it clear to the audience, though, he has no qualms about doing so. He will be the equivalent of taking one of the kids from South Park, putting them into a standard Disney film, and watching the chaos unfold. And with the people who were kids and teens when Iron Man first came out now adults, that might be what Marvel needs right now.
Marvel Jesus, indeed.
Where Does Deadpool Fit into the Multiverse Saga?
Besides retconning Deadpool’s universe into being part of the larger MCM (Marvel Cinematic Multiverse), the trailer leaves people with a few questions. What could have forced the TVA to grab Deadpool in the first place? On a surface level, it would have something to do with Wade using time travel to save Vanessa (and Peter!) Then again, after the events of Season Two of Loki, the TVA’s mission has changed from pruning timelines to stopping threats like Kang. Given what we know and depending on where in the MCU’s timeline this takes place, the TVA needs Deadpool to deal with something they can’t. And it might not be Kang.
With Marvel making its way towards Secret Wars, they put a lot of time into setting Kang up as the big bad. However, Jonathan Majors’s actions led Marvel to cut ties with him, leaving Kang in the air. While Marvel could end up recasting him without much of a problem (multiverse=different looking versions of someone), others think it’s better to drop Kang. Whatever the choice, the trailer’s cagey about what threat Deadpool’s facing, but the Merc can likely handle it. This is the character whose variant managed to kill his entire universe.
No, really. A version of Deadpool existed that managed to kill every hero, villain, god, and cosmic entity. Don’t underestimate Deadpool!
This could be the Highlight of the Summer.
Whatever the threat that brings Deadpool into the MCU might be, one thing’s sure: Deadpool and Wolverine will be one of Summer’s big movies. In addition to bringing Deadpool into the MCU, the movie will also see Hugh Jackman return as Wolverine.
Fans have known for nearly a year that Wolverine would return, but it’s still being determined if this is the Wolverine from Deadpool’s universe, the X-Men films, or a new variant. Then again, who cares? It’s Wolverine in his 90s costume. Let’s enjoy the carnage that will come! It might be what the MCU needs to get back on its feet. Or at least keep it together long enough for Secret Wars.
