Amidst Marvel's recent challenges, Deadpool, played by Ryan Reynolds, is stepping into the scene to shake things up. Known for breaking superhero norms, like the comically violent X-Force incident in "Deadpool 2," he could bring a much-needed dose of unpredictability to the MCU. But before this chaos unfolds, Marvel Studios might need to clean up a bit. Enter "Deadpool 3," causing a buzz as it introduces Reynolds' Wade Wilson to the MCU.
What makes this third installment unique is its decision to keep the R-rating, a departure from the Disney-owned franchise. Adding to the excitement is the rumored return of Hugh Jackman's Wolverine, reuniting with his "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" co-star. Director Shawn Levy's choice to shoot on location, rather than typical green screen sets, adds an extra layer of interest, making it tough for Marvel to keep leaks under wraps.
But are these leaks true glimpses into the movie, or is Marvel setting us up for another unexpected twist, similar to the X-Force situation? Time to put on our tin foil hats and ponder about "Deadpool 3" and everything we think we know so far.
#1. Deadpool Tango & Wolverine Cash
Source: 20th Century Studios
There's already a perfect team-up featuring Deadpool and Wolverine, and it's a 13-year-old YouTube short called "Rorschach and Deadpool." In this cheeky parody of buddy cop movies, the motor-mouthed Deadpool pairs up with the brooding, hot-tempered Rorschach from "Watchmen" to solve a mystery, blending drama and zaniness seamlessly.
It turns out, that Reynolds and the returning "Deadpool" writers, Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick, had a similar idea for the third installment.
Before Disney acquired most of Fox in 2019, director James Mangold discussed a "48 Hours" style buddy picture with Reynolds and Jackman. The concept involved Deadpool and Wolverine on a road trip, blending gritty thrills with comedy in the style of the 1988 hit "Midnight Run." Even as "Deadpool 3" becomes part of the MCU, it seems to retain some of that initial pitch, explaining the decision to shoot on location.
Reynolds had mentioned in 2021 that the film was initially intended to be a "'Rashomon-style" story, where Wade and Logan hit the road. Considering the non-linear structure of the first "Deadpool" movie, "Deadpool 3" might adopt a similar approach.
The question is how this storytelling method, where characters offer conflicting accounts of the same events, compares to Akira Kurosawa's classic 1950 drama. This is where the idea of the greater multiverse could come into play.
#2. A Road Trip Across The Multiverse?
Source: 20th Century Studios
Recall how "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness" introduced the Illuminati, only to swiftly eliminate them? Well, "Deadpool 3" might be gearing up for a comedic take on a similar theme.
Rather than casting fan favorites for a serious twist, the threequel could playfully resurrect characters from less-loved Fox Marvel movies, like Jennifer Garner's Elektra Natchios from "Daredevil" and "Elektra," rumored to make an appearance.
In a potentially meta plot, Deadpool and Wolverine might traverse the multiverse to "clean up" its history, encountering various versions of familiar characters along the way. This concept aligns with Marvel's comic arc, "Deadpool Kills the Marvel Universe."
The comparison to "Rashomon" makes sense, as Wade and Logan could encounter different variants of known characters. Leaked set photos hint at encounters with a deteriorating version of 20th Century Fox's logo, adding weight to this theory.
"Deadpool 2" concluded with Wade time-hopping, even offing Reynolds himself and Weapon XI from "X-Men Origins: Wolverine." If "Deadpool 3" follows suit, it would logically expand on this concept.
#3. Always Rooting For The Antihero(es)
Source: AMC Theatres
Imagine Deadpool and Wolverine going on a wild murder spree across timelines – not exactly hero behavior. Enter the Time Variance Authority (TVA) from "Loki," the multiverse's order-keepers.
If "Deadpool 3" occurs after TVA's "Loki" season 2 revamp, our antiheroes could find themselves "pruned" and end up in the Easter egg-filled "Void" at the end of time. Picture encounters with relics like the "Moon Knight" ice cream truck and the Red Skull's roadster from "Captain America: The First Avenger," both spotted on the set.
As for a quirky cameo, rumors suggest Taylor Swift might appear as Dazzler, a mutant she was once rumored to play in "X-Men: Apocalypse." Director Shawn Levy didn't rule it out, adding another layer of unpredictability to the increasingly wild "Deadpool 3." The movie is set to hit theaters on July 26, 2024.