Deadpool & Wolverine (2024) Full Review
Image Source: IMP Awards

Title: Deadpool & Wolverine (2024)

Country of Production: United States

Director: Shawn Levy

Cast:

Ryan Reynolds as Wade Wilson / Deadpool
Hugh Jackman as Logan / Wolverine
Emma Corrin as Cassandra Nova
Matthew Macfadyen as Mr. Paradox
Morena Baccarin as Vanessa
Leslie Uggams as Blind Al
Rob Delaney as Peter
Karan Soni as Dopinder

Production Companies:

Marvel Studios
20th Century Studios (part of Disney)

Release Date:

United States: 2024

Genre: Superhero, Action, Comedy, Sci-Fi, Multiverse

Distribution: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Overview

Deadpool & Wolverine (2024) is one of the most anticipated and consequential entries in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Not only does it mark the long-awaited crossover between Ryan Reynolds’ fourth-wall-breaking Deadpool and Hugh Jackman’s grizzled Wolverine, but it also serves as a pivotal moment in MCU history by introducing its first-ever R-rated film. Directed by Shawn Levy and created with significant creative input from Reynolds, the film is a chaotic blend of comedy, ultraviolence, heartfelt drama, and multiversal madness. It manages to be both a love letter to fans of Fox’s X-Men universe and a gateway into a broader, interlinked Marvel world.

This third installment of the Deadpool series is packed with multiverse shenanigans, long-awaited character returns, and irreverent Marvel meta-commentary. More than just an action-packed superhero flick, Deadpool & Wolverine explores deeper emotional tones and provides necessary closure to some of the franchise’s most beloved characters.

Plot Summary

The story begins with Wade Wilson, aka Deadpool, living a surprisingly mundane and peaceful life. After the death of Vanessa, Wade’s fiancée, and the apparent disbandment of the X-Force, Wade has tried to retire from his chaotic mercenary days. But the calm is short-lived.

Wade is abruptly pulled from his reality by the Time Variance Authority (TVA), an interdimensional organization first introduced in Loki. They inform him that the multiverse is unraveling, and that a particular universe—the one he originated from—is on the brink of collapse due to the absence of a key stabilizing figure: Logan, aka Wolverine.

The TVA agent, Mr. Paradox, tells Wade that in order to stabilize the timeline, Wolverine must be found and convinced to assist. However, this version of Wolverine is broken and emotionally distant. He's been hiding from the world, haunted by his past and reluctant to reengage. Wade must not only convince Logan to fight once again, but also help him confront an existential threat unlike any they’ve faced before.

That threat comes in the form of Cassandra Nova, a powerful mutant with the ability to manipulate minds and matter. She's targeting the TVA and intends to destroy the “sacred timeline,” allowing chaos to reign across the multiverse. Together, Deadpool and Wolverine embark on a dangerous journey through alternate timelines, past franchises, and varying realities. Along the way, they encounter multiple variants of themselves and iconic characters from previous Marvel films.

From the ruins of Professor Xavier’s school to a dystopian future ruled by mutant overlords, the duo battles everything from sentient robots to a mutant army, culminating in a final showdown that not only defines their character arcs but also reshapes the MCU itself.

Cast and Characters

Ryan Reynolds as Wade Wilson / Deadpool
Reynolds continues to shine in his signature role. His portrayal of Wade remains as hilarious, brutal, and self-aware as ever, but this time, there’s more emotional depth beneath the wisecracks. Deadpool undergoes significant character development, grappling with themes of love, loss, and responsibility.

Hugh Jackman as Logan / Wolverine
Jackman's return is nothing short of iconic. This Wolverine isn’t the one we last saw in Logan (2017), but a variant—an embittered version of the character still filled with rage and regret. Jackman brings a brooding maturity to the role, balancing savage action with sincere emotional beats.

Emma Corrin as Cassandra Nova
Corrin plays one of the most intriguing villains in the MCU to date. Cassandra Nova is cerebral, terrifying, and utterly captivating. Her motivations are rooted in ideology rather than chaos, and her vendetta against the TVA and timelines adds philosophical weight to her menace.

Matthew Macfadyen as Mr. Paradox
An original TVA agent, Paradox is both bureaucratic and mysterious. His ambiguous morality and dry humor provide a unique contrast to the chaotic energy of Deadpool and the grim seriousness of Wolverine.

Supporting Cast Includes:

Morena Baccarin as Vanessa
Leslie Uggams as Blind Al
Rob Delaney as Peter
Karan Soni as Dopinder
Aaron Stanford as Pyro
Multiple Deadpool variants (including Dogpool and Ladypool)

The film also features surprise cameos from characters across Marvel’s past franchises, which are better experienced than spoiled.

Production Background

Development

The movie’s journey began years ago, shortly after Disney acquired Fox and brought its Marvel properties under the MCU umbrella. Integrating Deadpool into the family-friendly MCU while maintaining his R-rated roots was a complex challenge. But Kevin Feige, Ryan Reynolds, and director Shawn Levy were all committed to making it happen in the most authentic way possible.

Reynolds was instrumental in shaping the story, co-writing the script alongside Rhett Reese, Paul Wernick, Zeb Wells, and Levy. The intention was clear: respect the legacy of both characters while bringing them into a shared continuity that would redefine the future of Marvel storytelling.

Filming and Locations

Filming began in London and Pinewood Studios in May 2023. The production faced delays due to the 2023 Hollywood labor strikes, but resumed in November and wrapped in early 2024. Action sequences were shot using advanced IMAX cameras, and practical effects were heavily utilized to ground the film’s often surreal set pieces.

The film makes incredible use of visual effects, especially when showcasing multiversal travel. Every alternate timeline has its own distinct visual language, making the world-hopping narrative feel immersive and believable.

Visual Style and Direction

Shawn Levy’s direction is both sharp and imaginative. Known for balancing heart with spectacle (Stranger Things, Free Guy), Levy approaches Deadpool & Wolverine with the same energy. He allows the film to be wild and unpredictable but keeps the character arcs grounded.

The cinematography by George Richmond is crisp and kinetic, capturing both the intimacy of emotional scenes and the scale of large-scale battles. The use of light and shadow during Cassandra Nova’s scenes adds an eerie tone, contrasting with the neon vibrancy of Wade’s sequences.

Rob Simonsen’s musical score complements the film’s tone shifts perfectly—blending orchestral elements with iconic pop hits to enhance both comedic and dramatic moments.

Themes and Tone

While the film is packed with jokes, gore, and references, it’s not just a comedy. At its core, Deadpool & Wolverine is a story about grief, redemption, and identity. Both protagonists are men who have lost everything, yet find purpose through each other and the missions they take on.

The movie critiques the concept of predestination and the ethical implications of time manipulation. Cassandra Nova’s argument that timelines should be free from “sacred” interference adds moral complexity. The TVA, once seen as a necessary force, is presented in a more ambiguous light.

The theme of legacy looms large. What does it mean to be a hero? Can someone who has caused so much damage ever truly atone? These questions are explored with surprising nuance.

Marketing and Hype

Disney and Marvel executed one of their most successful marketing campaigns ever. The teaser trailer, released during Super Bowl LVIII, broke records with over 360 million views in 24 hours. Social media campaigns included Deadpool’s satirical posts mocking Marvel, DC, and real-world celebrities.

Major brands such as Aviation Gin (Reynolds’ own company), Adidas, and Heineken ran co-branded commercials. Posters featuring parody designs—such as Barbenheimer homages—went viral online.

Comic-Con appearances by Reynolds and Jackman only fueled the fire. Funko Pops, Hot Toys, and collectible merch sold out within hours of release. The movie's unique combination of meta-humor and nostalgia made it a cultural event.

Box Office and Reception

Opening Weekend and Earnings

Upon release, Deadpool & Wolverine shattered box office expectations. It earned over $310 million globally in its opening weekend, becoming the highest-grossing R-rated debut in history. By its third week, the film crossed the $1 billion mark worldwide, cementing its place among Marvel’s top earners.

Critical Response

Critics largely praised the film’s balance of tone, character development, and its brave approach to adult themes. On review aggregators, the film holds:

An audience score above 90%
Critics' scores around 78%
CinemaScore grade of “A”

Particular praise was directed at the chemistry between Reynolds and Jackman. Their shared screen presence is electric, and their characters’ emotional journeys feel earned.

Some critics noted that the multiverse concept may feel convoluted for casual viewers, and that certain jokes leaned too heavily into fan service. However, most agreed that it was a bold and welcome addition to the MCU.

Accolades and Legacy

Industry insiders are already buzzing about Deadpool & Wolverine as a potential awards contender—not just for visual effects and makeup, but for its screenplay and performances. Fans have praised its handling of serious topics, including PTSD, loneliness, and personal healing, without losing the franchise’s trademark irreverence.

The film also sets the stage for future Marvel projects, introducing hints of the X-Men’s arrival in the mainstream MCU timeline. The final scenes tease a wider conflict, potentially linked to future Avengers or Secret Wars titles.

Conclusion

Deadpool & Wolverine (2024) isn’t just another superhero movie—it’s a turning point. It proves that Marvel can evolve, embrace mature themes, and give its fans more than just visual spectacle. The film offers laughs, tears, bloody action, and deeply personal character growth. It respects its past while boldly leaping into the future.

Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman deliver career-best performances in a story that’s both a swan song and a fresh beginning. With the multiverse in play, nothing is off the table—and this film is proof that the MCU is still full of surprises.

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