“Deadpool & Wolverine” shows how the Marvelization of movie storytelling loses the plot
Last weekend I joined millions of people worldwide in helping “Deadpool & Wolverine” set records for the sixth-biggest film opening of all time. Chock full of chuckles, the movie unites Reynolds’ Deadpool with his one-time "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" co-star Hugh Jackman to revive the clawed cigar aficionado, last seen in 2017’s “Logan,” the film that was meant to close the “Wolverine” trilogy. “Deadpool & Wolverine” also pulls in threads from other “Avengers”-adjacent titles in the MCU, including the mostly forgettable “Fantastic Four” movies and TV's “Loki.” There’s a throwaway line from the villain that’s probably a tip of the hat to “She-Hulk,” fourth-wall-breaking jokes about Marvel heroes, and DC heroes, and a wink at Reynolds’ run of mediocre romantic comedies in the aughts. With 34 MCU films released over 16 years, it’s the most reliable brand around next to “Spider-Man” and “Star Wars.” As demand for these movies exploded, their plots stagnated. “They are sequels in name but they are remakes in spirit, and everything in them is officially sanctioned because it can’t really be any other way.” He continued, “That’s the nature of modern film franchises: market-researched, audience-tested, vetted, modified, revetted and remodified until they’re ready for consumption.” We need your help to stay independent Subscribe today to support Salon's progressive journalism There may be no better proof of that than the MCU’s current runaway success – for now.
Discover Related
New Spielberg, Nolan films teased at CinemaCon
Disney reveals 'Avengers' cast with surprise Stewart, McKellen returns
Meet the Game Developer Turning Fanfic Into Deadpool DLC
Marvel’s Deadpool creator hits out at Kevin Feige after Captain America flop
Marvel and DC announce historic crossover that will be released this year
Hugh Jackman cancels Hyde Park concert due to 'unforeseen conflict’
Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni set for 2026 trial in legal feud over 'It Ends With Us'
Ryan Gosling in talks to star in a new Star Wars movie from Deadpool & Wolverine director Shawn Levy
Blake Lively responds to ‘abuser’ Justin Baldoni’s countersuit, calls it ‘age-old story’
Blake Lively responds to ‘abuser’ Justin Baldoni’s countersuit, calls it ‘age-old story’
Justin Baldoni makes demand to Disney and Marvel about Deadpool and Wolverine character
Justin Baldoni makes demand to Disney and Marvel about Deadpool and Wolverine character
Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds to skip Golden Globes amid Justin Baldoni fiasco
Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds likely to miss 82nd Golden Globes amid legal battle with Justin Baldoni: Reports
If I Could Make Everyone See One Movie This Year, It’d Be This
Kraven the Hunter sets unwanted movie record as Moana dominates Christmas box office
Blake Lively accuses ’It Ends With Us’ director Justin Baldoni of harassment and smear campaign