When it comes to theMarvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), fans expect movies with big action that cost hundreds of millions to make, but Ryan Reynolds had a very different proposal for whatDeadpool & Wolverinecould have been. Early in the creative process, when Marvel Studios was finally in possession of the FoxX-MenIP and able to bring Deadpool to the MCU, there were some big ideas thrown around for how to make this crossover happen. Considering Reynolds' close involvement with the character and the production, he was obviously a big part of this planning process.
However, while brainstorming what the movie could be, Reynolds apparently presented some ideas that were really off the beaten path for Marvel movies. At one point, prior toHugh Jackman signing on to be a part of the movie,one idea presented by Reynolds was a “Sundance movie,” “with no action but a Deadpool suit.” And as interesting as this may sound, I’m not sure how well this could have really worked for the MCU, or the Deadpool character whose over the top exploits I and so many others have come to love and adore.
Ryan Reynolds' “No Action” Deadpool 3 Idea Sounds Like It Breaks Every Superhero Movie Rule
A Superhero Movie That Features Nothing Super Whatsoever
Listen, I trust that Ryan Reynolds is an incredible storyteller, and his track record with director Shawn Levy appears to be on a hot streak, but some ideas need to stay in the cutting room. Fortunately, this “Sundance movie” never made it past the idea stage, but if it had,it may have broken the superhero genreas a whole. Reynolds noted that it could have been a $4 million film, with zero action. But at that point, what would the movie become?
I Don’t Think I Truly Understood Deadpool & Wolverine Until 4 Months Later
Watching the Deadpool & Wolverine behind-the-scenes documentary gave me a newfound respect for the amazing effort that went into making the movie.
Yes, it could have played more into the human side of Deadpool, his relationship breaking down with Vanessa, and his efforts to settle into a more ordinary life, but the comedy aspect of that would likely get old fast.Deadpool is a characterwho brings extraordinary actionand wild chaos to the big screen. A festival film that plays into art house motifs, but has a guy walking around in a skintight red suit just feels too wacky to be a Marvel movie.
Ryan Reynolds' Unused Deadpool 3 Idea Is Not The Only Ditched Idea For Deadpool & Wolverine
There Were Plenty Of Duds On The Way To Deadpool & Wolverine
Beyond this, Reynolds and the rest of the team who worked on the film bounced around several ideas before production ever got underway. At one point, ashot-for-shot remake ofThor 2,The Dark Worldwas proposed, where Deadpool would show up halfway through. Another idea toyed with revealing how Deadpool was always in the MCU, from the very start, by including the character in dozens of deleted scenes from previous entries. This would have been funny, and played up the meta part of the character, but may have struggled for one coherent narrative.
It’s clear that there was a lot of thought and effort that went into making this movie something special. With so many ideas and creativity pouring into the project, it must have been an exciting thing to be a part of. However, it also feels like the team were running into walls in terms offinding a good way tobring Deadpool to the MCU, and make it a powerful enough story. That is, until Hugh Jackman called up Shawn and Ryan to announce he was ready to join the team and be a part ofDeadpool 3.
Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine Was The Key To Deadpool 3
As soon as Hugh Jackman was on board, it seemed like the gates of creativity opened up and ideas began flooding in. Rather than makeDeadpool 3a movie about that character which saw Wolverine appear in a cameo role, or supporting cast, it put him front and center alongside the Merc with the Mouth.Deadpool 3becameDeadpool & Wolverine, and everything became a lot more meaningful. While a Sundance movie may have been emotionally driven,seeing Deadpool and Wolverine togetheron the big screen was a much greater payoff for both characters after years of fans like myself desperately praying for this moment.
I’ve Changed My Mind, Ryan Reynolds' Deadpool & Wolverine Opening Credits Scene Pitch Shows How Much He Respects Logan
I felt like Deadpool & Wolverine’s opening scene was a blatant attempt to not respect Logan’s legacy, but Ryan Reynolds’ pitch changed my mind.
Jackman’s involvement allowed the movie to become a tribute to the past of Marvel movies released before the MCU, and a bridge to this new comic book movie empire. It was also incredibly rewarding to see two actors who are so close in real life finally get to play out this legendary moment. Together,Deadpool and Wolverine created a spectacle that validated the past, while looking forward to a bright future, and that’s thanks toDeadpool & Wolverine.
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.
