Movies News Talk
Deadpool & Wolverine's commercial success could inspire Marvel to make more R-rated projects with a focus on adult comedy. A billion-dollar superhero comedy would be proof that Marvel doesn't have to pivot away from comedy.
Fox's Deadpool movies captivated audiences not only with their faithful adaptation of Deadpool, but also with their R-rated comedy. Deadpool & Wolverine will be Hugh Jackman's first Wolverine appearance with a comedic tone. The Mcu's distinct brand of comedy has been criticized for being too self-aware and often obtrusive. But despite Deadpool's inevitable barrage of jokes, Deadpool & Wolverine's focus on Wade Wilson's self-aware humor is more than welcomed by fans of the character.
Deadpool & Wolverine's R Rating continues a trend of successful mature projects. After sixteen years of family-oriented movies, the Mcu welcomes Deadpool & Wolverine as Marvel Studios' first-ever R-rated film.
The fact that Deadpool & Wolverine is projected to reach a $200-million domestic debut and $1 billion worldwide despite under-18 audience restrictions suggests that R-rated content is a safe bet for Marvel. Characters like Deadpool, Wolverine, Blade, and the Punisher usually get involved in more violent conflicts than other characters, thus it only makes sense for them to star in gorier battles and use stronger language.
Deadpool & Wolverine's main appeal may inspire similar Mcu events. Crossovers have been Marvel's biggest gold mine since the MCU's Phase 1. Crossover-based movies like The Avengers, Captain America: Civil War, Avengers: Endgame, and Spider-Man: No Way Home have topped the MCU's critical and commercial charts in great part due to their crossover nature, and Deadpool & Wolverine is reinforcing the concept's allure.
Crossover movies aren't always successful, as the DCEU's Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and Justice League have proved before. However, they can be a good way to attract general audiences and die-hard fans alike. Other crossover movies the MCU could develop include Dark Avengers, Midnight Sons, the long-awaited Young Avengers, and an MCU Spider-Man film that features Deadpool, Daredevil, or Venom, as well as a Fantastic Four sequel with guest characters like Namor, Spider-Man, or She-Hulk.
Deadpool & Wolverine can officially open the door for MCU mutants and other non-MCU cameos. Marvel Studios has teased the existence of mutants for years, but Deadpool & Wolverine's MCU canon status means that X-Men characters are finally making their grand entrance into the MCU.
Deadpool and Wolverine's arrival could also herald the return of other characters from Fox's X-Men franchise in preparation for Avengers: Secret Wars, and perhaps even the official confirmation of the MCU's X-Gene, which would initiate the mutant era in the Avengers' home universe. Deadpool & Wolverine may have the authority to dictate the course of future MCU projects, as it will likely have the box office results to back it up.