Opening Credits for Deadpool and Wolverine: A Tributary to the Fox X-Men Realm
More than just a visually arresting start, Deadpool & Wolverine's opening credits sequence pays a deft homage to the history of the Fox X-Men films. While many people concentrate on the movie's dramatic conclusion and how it fits into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), the opening dance sequence, which features Deadpool dancing to NSYNC's "Bye Bye Bye," has unspoken allusions that connect to the X-Men film series.
Deadpool's NSYNC Dance: A Lighthearted Nod to the X-Men's History
The dance scene is a gory and hilarious show, with Deadpool using Wolverine's adamantium bones to battle TVA agents in the background. However, it also acts as a lighthearted reference to two particular scenes from the Fox X-Men films. The first alludes to a scene in X2: X-Men United in which Wolverine physically cowers when he hears NSYNC's "Bye Bye Bye" playing on the vehicle radio. In Deadpool & Wolverine, the roles are reversed, with Deadpool dancing merrily to Wolverine's least favorite song.
The second allusion originates from Deadpool 2, in which Deadpool appears in the music video for "Ashes," a song that Celine Dion chose because it evokes strong feelings, much to the movie's "Ashes" scene. Deadpool jokes in the video, "God, I should've asked NSYNC," hinting at the song's usage in Deadpool & Wolverine.
More Than Just a Joke: Wolverine & Deadpool's Premiere Pays Tribute to the Past
Even though it can be easy to write off the NSYNC dance as a simple comedy trick, it's much more than that. Honoring the legacy of the Fox Marvel universes is the film's underlying message, which is subtly conveyed through references to previous X-Men films. Even though Deadpool & Wolverine is a Marvel Studios production, it pays homage to the past of the X-Men, Fantastic Four, and Blade, with appearances by characters like Channing Tatum's Gambit.
NSYNC's "Bye Bye Bye" was a purposeful choice. The choice of this particular music to feature the legendary dance motion highlights the film's dedication to honoring the past, although it could have been any song. It shows a great respect for Marvel's past outside of the MCU and is a worthy homage to the characters and storylines that came before.
A Love Letter to the Legacy of Fox Marvel Featuring Deadpool and Wolverine
The opening scene of Deadpool & Wolverine is a jovial reminder that the movie embraces the past while paying tribute to the Fox Marvel realms. It's evidence of the franchise's ability to bring humor and nostalgia into its story, giving viewers a distinctive and captivating experience.
