Summary
Ryan Reynolds' golden rule for Deadpool in theMCUhas already been disproved byDeadpool & Wolverine. After starring as the titular Merc with a Mouth inDeadpoolandDeadpool 2, Ryan Reynolds officially joined the MCU in 2024, five years after Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox. Reynolds infusedDeadpool & Wolverinewith the same comedy he has become known for, includingDeadpool’s legendary fourth wall breaks, but Wade Wilson isn’t the only MCU character who has addressed their audience directly.
Several other MCU heroes have broken the fourth wall, though the most notable is Tatiana Maslany’s Jennifer Walters, a.k.a. She-Hulk.She-Hulk broke Marvel Comics' fourth walleight years before Deadpool, so it was great to see her also break the MCU’s live-action fourth wall before Deadpool got the chance. However, Ryan Reynolds' recent comments suggest bringingDeadpool and She-Hulktogether on-screen might be tricky, even thoughDeadpool & Wolverinemight have already proven his golden rule for Deadpool completely wrong.
She-Hulk first broke the fourth wall in 1989’sSensational She-Hulk #1by John Byrne, while Deadpool didn’t break the fourth wall until 1997’sDeadpool #11by Joe Kelly and Pete Woods.
Ryan Reynolds' Golden Rule Is Only Deadpool Can Break The Fourth Wall
In a conversation withVanity Fairahead of the premiere ofDeadpool & Wolverine,Ryan Reynolds suggested that there are"very specific rules"that only Deadpool can break the fourth wall when he is involved in a movie. To an extent, this makes sense, as fourth wall breaking is a key aspect of Deadpool’s character, and it would be confusing if anyone else was aware of the fourth wall.While most characters, including Wolverine, shouldn’t break the fourth wall, however, Reynolds' rule poses a problem with his inclusion in future MCU projects.
There are rules. Very specific rules. You would diminish stakes in the film if everyone - or evenanyoneelse - was also aware of the fourth wall or any kind of meta aspect. Deadpool is the only character who has that ability to do that. If everyone did that, then you would no longer invest in that character as much. You really want to believe that the villain is a villain. You really want to believe that your costar’s character is true as well. Deadpool can undermine that - and does undermine that - because you don’t want the audience to take him as seriously… I always feel like an absolute dick when I’m trying to explain: I need people as invested as humanly possible in every other character while knowing thatonlyDeadpool is the unreliable narrator.
Nicepool’s Fourth Wall Break Was A Highlight In Deadpool & Wolverine
Ryan Reynolds' rule for Deadpool’s fourth wall breaking could mean that crossing the antihero over with other heroes, specifically She-Hulk, could be an issue. However,Deadpool & Wolverinehas already confirmed that including Deadpool alongside another fourth wall breaker can work perfectly. This was demonstrated with the inclusion ofNicepool, a variant of Deadpoolwho is absent of scars, has long hair and a man-bun, wears hardened armor and travels with a canine companion, Mary Puppins, a.k.a. Dogpool.
In one ofDeadpool & Wolverine’smost memorable, laughable and brilliantly-timed moments, Nicepool"gently taps"the fourth wall, turning to the camera and simply stating,“The Proposal.“Nicepool’s reference to the 2009 romantic comedy, that starred Ryan Reynolds opposite Sandra Bullock, was hilarious, and this was enhanced by Deadpool’s own reaction to his fourth wall breaking.Deadpool & Wolverine’s"The Proposal"momenthas received a hugely positive reception, soReynolds may begin to rethink his golden rule for Deadpool’s fourth wall breaking.
Who Is Gordon Reynolds? Deadpool & Wolverine’s Nicepool Actor Credit Explained
Deadpool & Wolverine’s credits list Gordon Reynolds as Wade Wilson variant Nicepool, which serves as a hilarious Easter egg for Ryan Reynolds fans.
She-Hulk & Deadpool Breaking The Fourth Wall Together Could Be A Lot Of Fun
The fact that Deadpool and Nicepool’s interaction inDeadpool & Wolverinewas so brilliant suggests that an elongated fourth wall breaking conversation between Deadpool and She-Hulk would be even better. 2022’sShe-Hulk: Attorney at Lawreceived some criticism, but the Disney+ show’s fourth wall breaking was great, especially in the season finale, which sawShe-Hulk jump into an episode ofMarvel Studios: Assembledto speak to KEVIN.Deadpool has never taken his fourth wall breaking this far, so joining with She-Hulk could present new opportunities for the Merc with a Mouth.
Both Deadpool and She-Hulk use comedy to enhance their adventures.
As well as breaking the fourth wall, both Deadpool and She-Hulk use comedy to enhance their adventures. This means thatbringing them together in the MCU could be very fun, particularly if they team up to break the fourth wall together. This could take place in Marvel Studios' upcomingAvengers: DoomsdayandAvengers: Secret Wars, which could change Ryan Reynolds' mind. This would allowDeadpool to move to the MCUproperly afterDeadpool & Wolverine, and have the complete freedom to break the fourth wall without restricting other exciting characters in the process.
Deadpool & Wolverine
Cast
A follow-up to the highly successful Deadpool and Deadpool 2 films starring Ryan Reynolds as the Merc with a Mouth. The third film will be the first in the franchise to be developed under the Marvel Studios banner following Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox.
