How Many Deadpool Movies Are There? A Guide for Beginners
Deadpool, the irreverent and wisecracking mercenary, has become one of the most beloved characters in the Marvel universe. With his unique blend of humor, action, and fourth-wall-breaking antics, Deadpool has captured the hearts of fans worldwide. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the Deadpool movies, exploring the main films, spin-offs, and exciting upcoming projects.
Deadpool Movies Overview
The Deadpool franchise, despite its relatively short history compared to other Marvel properties, has quickly become a fan favourite. Let’s break down the movies starring Deadpool, discussing their release dates, box office performance, and critical reception. So far we have 3 Deadpool movies under the Deadpool franchise.
| Movie Title | Release Date | Director | Box Office Gross (USD) | Rotten Tomatoes Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadpool | February 12, 2016 | Tim Miller | $782.6 million | 85% |
| Deadpool 2 | May 18, 2018 | David Leitch | $785.8 million | 84% |
| Deadpool & Wolverine | July 26, 2024 | Shawn Levy | TBA | TBA |
Deadpool (2016)
Synopsis
The first Deadpool movie introduces us to Wade Wilson, a former Special Forces operative turned mercenary. After being subjected to a rogue experiment that leaves him with accelerated healing powers, Wilson adopts the alter ego Deadpool. Armed with his new abilities and a dark, twisted sense of humor, Deadpool hunts down the man who nearly destroyed his life.
Key Points
- Director: Tim Miller
- Cast: Ryan Reynolds (Wade Wilson/Deadpool), Morena Baccarin (Vanessa), Ed Skrein (Ajax), T.J. Miller (Weasel)
- Box Office: The film was a massive success, grossing over $782 million worldwide against a budget of $58 million.
- Critical Reception: Deadpool received critical acclaim for its unique approach, humor, and Ryan Reynolds’ performance. It holds an 85% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Trivia
- Development Hell: Deadpool spent over a decade in development hell, with Ryan Reynolds campaigning for the film since 2004.
- Test Footage Leak: The leaked test footage in 2014 garnered overwhelmingly positive feedback, convincing Fox to greenlight the project.
- R-Rating: Deadpool was the first R-rated film in the X-Men cinematic universe and proved that R-rated superhero movies could be successful.
Deadpool 2 (2018)
Synopsis
In this sequel, Deadpool forms a team of mutants called X-Force to protect a young mutant from the time-traveling soldier Cable. The film ups the ante with more action, humor, and the introduction of new characters like Domino and Firefist.
Key Points
- Director: David Leitch
- Cast: Ryan Reynolds (Wade Wilson/Deadpool), Josh Brolin (Cable), Zazie Beetz (Domino), Julian Dennison (Russell/Firefist)
- Box Office: Deadpool 2 performed slightly better than its predecessor, grossing approximately $785.8 million worldwide.
- Critical Reception: The sequel was well-received, with an 84% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics praised its action sequences, humor, and the chemistry between Reynolds and Brolin.
Trivia
- X-Force: The film introduces the X-Force team, which includes Bedlam, Shatterstar, Zeitgeist, Vanisher, and a regular guy named Peter.
- Juggernaut: The movie features the first cinematic appearance of Juggernaut since X-Men: The Last Stand (2006).
- Cameos: Deadpool 2 includes several surprising cameos, including Brad Pitt as Vanisher and Matt Damon as a redneck.
Deadpool & Wolverine (2024)
Synopsis
The upcoming movie Deadpool & Wolverine will see Deadpool teaming up with Wolverine in a film filled with time travel and alternate universe shenanigans. The movie introduces new elements and characters while maintaining the irreverent humor and R-rated content fans love.
Key Points
- Director: Shawn Levy
- Cast: Ryan Reynolds (Wade Wilson/Deadpool), Hugh Jackman (Wolverine), Morena Baccarin (Vanessa), Stefan Kapičić (Colossus voice), Rob Delaney (Peter), Aaron Stanford (Pyro), Emma Corrin (Cassandra Nova)
- New Elements:
- Time Travel and Alternate Universes: The film will use these elements to bring Wolverine back into action.
- New Villain: Cassandra Nova, a powerful mutant telepath, played by Emma Corrin.
- Dogpool: A dog version of Deadpool will make an appearance.
- Time Variance Authority (TVA): Characters from Loki might feature in the movie.
- Filming Locations: Filmed in London.
- New Costumes: Both Deadpool and Wolverine will sport new costumes, including Wolverine’s classic yellow and a samurai-inspired suit.
- Box Office and Reception: To be determined upon release.
Trivia
- Writers Changed: The film has a new direction due to changes in writers.
- Hugh Jackman’s Return: Marvel Studios initially wanted to keep Wolverine dead, but Hugh Jackman convinced them otherwise.
- Director’s Tease: Director Shawn Levy has teased the movie will be filled with jokes about Marvel boss Kevin Feige.
- Most Viewed Trailer: The trailer became the most viewed ever upon release, with early reactions being positive.
- Release Date: Originally set for May 2024, the release date has been moved to July 26, 2024, due to an actors’ strike.
Spin-offs and Cameos
While Deadpool has been the star of two main films (with a third on the way), he has also appeared in other media and spin-offs within the X-Men universe. Below is a table summarizing these appearances.
| Movie/Series | Release Date | Role/Appearance |
|---|---|---|
| X-Men Origins: Wolverine | May 1, 2009 | Wade Wilson/Weapon XI (Deadpool) |
| Deadpool: No Good Deed (Short Film) | March 3, 2017 | Deadpool |
| Once Upon a Deadpool | December 12, 2018 | Deadpool (PG-13 version of Deadpool 2) |
X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)
Synopsis
Deadpool’s first cinematic appearance was in X-Men Origins: Wolverine. However, this version of the character was drastically different from the Deadpool we know today. Portrayed by Ryan Reynolds, this iteration of Deadpool, also known as Weapon XI, was heavily criticized for straying far from the source material, particularly for sewing Deadpool’s mouth shut and giving him powers not found in the comics.
Deadpool: No Good Deed (2017)
Synopsis
This short film, released as a teaser for Deadpool 2, features Deadpool attempting to change into his costume in a phone booth to save a man from a mugging. The humorous short, which played before Logan in theaters, showcases Deadpool’s characteristic humor and irreverence.
Once Upon a Deadpool (2018)
Synopsis
Once Upon a Deadpool is a PG-13 version of Deadpool 2, featuring new scenes with Fred Savage in a parody of The Princess Bride. This re-cut version was released as a charity effort, with portions of the proceeds going to cancer research.
The Future of Deadpool in the MCU
The acquisition of 21st Century Fox by Disney has brought Deadpool under the umbrella of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Fans are eagerly awaiting to see how Deadpool will integrate into the MCU, especially given his R-rated nature in previous films.
Potential Crossovers
- Spider-Man: Given the comic book history between Spider-Man and Deadpool, a crossover film or appearance is highly anticipated.
- Avengers: With Deadpool’s potential to bring humour and a different dynamic, interactions with characters like Thor, Hulk, or even the Guardians of the Galaxy could be on the horizon.
- X-Men: The reintroduction of X-Men into the MCU could also mean more collaborations with Deadpool, especially with characters like Wolverine, as teased for Deadpool & Wolverine.
Rumored Projects
- X-Force: With the introduction of the X-Force team in Deadpool 2, there have been rumours of a potential X-Force movie featuring Deadpool.
- Deadpool Kills the Marvel Universe: Based on the comic series of the same name, this potential project could see Deadpool going on a murderous rampage against Marvel characters.
- Lady Deadpool: Discussions have emerged about introducing Wanda Wilson, aka Lady Deadpool, either in a solo film or as part of a Deadpool ensemble project.
Deadpool’s Impact on Pop Culture
Deadpool’s success has had a significant impact on the entertainment industry and pop culture:
- R-Rated Superhero Films: The success of the Deadpool movies has paved the way for more R-rated superhero films, such as Logan and Joker.
- Fourth-Wall Breaking: Deadpool’s signature fourth-wall breaks have become more prevalent in other media, influencing the way stories are told.
- Merchandise: Deadpool’s popularity has led to a plethora of merchandise, from action figures to clothing, making him a recognizable figure even among non-comic book fans.
- Memes and Online Presence: Deadpool’s witty one-liners and humorous moments have become a staple in internet memes and social media, further cementing his place in popular culture.
Conclusion
The Deadpool franchise, with its distinctive blend of humours, action, and fourth-wall-breaking antics, has carved out a unique niche in the superhero genre. With two successful movies, a third on the way, and the potential for exciting crossovers within the MCU, Deadpool continues to capture the imagination of audiences worldwide.
Stay Tuned
As Deadpool & Wolverine prepares to make its MCU debut, fans can look forward to more hilarious, action-packed adventures. Keep an eye out for updates on release dates, casting, and plot details for this and other future projects. With Deadpool’s integration into the MCU, the possibilities for the Merc with a Mouth are endless, guaranteeing that he will remain a beloved fixture in comic book cinema for years to come.