Anyone paying attention to the world of movies will know that the superhero genre is the biggest in the business. Myriad studios have joined in for the fun, creating shared universes and adapting comic book heroes into live-action. This trend has caused some critics to fear "superhero fatigue", although certain properties have been able to stand out in regards to quality and uniqueness.
One of these fan favorites is the Deadpool franchise, which broke new ground an an R-rated superhero movie. The highly successful sequel Deadpool 2 was directed by David Leitch, and it seemed like a threequel was inevitable. But once Disney acquired 20th Century Fox and its properties, the future of Ryan Reynolds' signature franchise seemed unclear. And according to Leitch, the verdict hasn't been made regarding Deadpool's future with the House of Mouse. As he put it:
In everybody's world, everybody wants to make it. So, if I was ever approached to make Deadpool 3, my answer would be, 'Hell yes,' but I think there's a lot of things going on in the shake up with Fox and Disney and where that whole Marvel world after Endgame is gonna be. When the dust settles, let's hope that Deadpool lives. That's kind of ironic, right?
Despite the massive financial earnings of the Deadpool franchise, it seems like Disney hasn't revealed its plans for the Merc with the Mouth. While the general population has been in the dark regarding Marvel Studios' plans for the future and Phase Four, this confusion extends to those who should have insider information. Hobbs & Shaw director David Leitch is one of those figures, and he would presumably be privy to plans for a Deadpool threequel.
David Leitch's comments to Comic Book are sure to be disappointing for the hardcore Deadpool fans out there. Wade Wilson has quickly become one of the most popular comic book characters currently being adapted for the silver screen, and moviegoers are eagerly waiting his return to theaters in either Deadpool 3 or an X-Force movie. Both of these projects were being developed by 20th Century Fox, although its merger with Disney left the House of Mouse in charge of their fate.
Related: Director David Leitch Defends That Deadpool 2 Death
It would obviously be in Disney's best interest to keep the Deadpool franchise alive, considering what a critical and box office darling the first two installments were. But just how Disney will do this remains a mystery. The studio previously claimed that the property would still be rated R, allowing Ryan Reynolds and company to continue making all the dirty jokes they want.
But there has been no official word, so the studio could presumably do an about-face. Moviegoers are also eager to see if Deadpool will be brought into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, or if he'll remain separate in his own series of films. Marvel fans have hoped to see the Merc with a Mouth alongside The Avengers, although it might be difficult to bring the R-rated hero into the PG-13 shared universe.
Narratively, there is a ton for the Deadpool franchise to continue exploring, especially given the wild events of Deadpool 2. Wade Wilson found his chosen family in the sequel, in a group that included X-Men members Colossus, Negasonic Teenage Warhead, and Yukio as well as outsiders Cable, Domino, and Firefist. It's a motley crew of misfits, one that got to the softer side of the Marvel mercenary.
This group was formed as Wade Wilson was struggling through the grief of losing his girlfriend Vanessa (Morena Baccarin). But during the wild mid-credits scene for Deadpool 2, the title character travelled through time and managed to save her life. This was an interesting plot twist that made many of the movie's events feel less important, but also opened up the opportunity for Vanessa to return for the inevitable threequel.
It should be interesting to see how Deadpool continues to develop, especially as he attempts to bring the X-Force together for a second time. The first attempt was a disaster, as the team was instantly killed on their way to the first mission. Everyone except Domino that is, with her "non-cinematic) powers being shown off in stunning fashion as they crossed paths with Cable.
One aspect of the Deadpool franchise that moviegoers have really responded to is the character's penchant for referencing other superhero movies, and both the MCU and DCEU. But he's been kept separate from any other heroes, especially as the franchise was owned by Fox and the MCU was Disney's property. But now that the two studios have merged, Marvel fans have been hoping to see Wade Wilson making fun of Earth's Mightiest Heroes to their face within the shared universe.
Allowing Deadpool to crossover and meet the Avengers would allow for a ton of new comedic opportunities, as Ryan Reynolds' character presumably takes the piss out of no-nonsense characters like Captain Marvel. His presence would break new ground for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, as the massive franchise usually takes itself rather seriously-- despite its myriad comedic beats.
Bringing Deadpool into the MCU might also be a great way to introduce mutants to the franchise. Wade Wilson regularly interacts with the X-Men in the comics, so there's an easy connection there. But Kevin Feige indicated that it may be a number of years before the iconic team of heroes makes their way back to theaters. After all, the long running X-Men franchise only recently ended with Dark Phoenix, so audiences might need a palette cleanser before watching another mutant-centric blockbuster.
Regardless of Deadpool's possible future within the MCU, we should expect Disney to eventually make a game plan to keep the Deadpool franchise going strong. The movies are relatively inexpensive to make as far a superhero blockbusters go, and have been able to make an insane amount of money. Plus both movies have fared quite well critically, something Marvel Studios has made standard throughout Phase Three.
CinemaBlend will keep you updated on all things Marvel and Deadpool as details become public. In the meantime, check out our 2019 release list to plan your next trip to the movies.
