The blockbuster Deadpool & Wolverine hits theaters this weekend, and the long-hoped-for addition of the X-Men to the MCU has arrived. Officially playing in the same playground as Iron Man, Happy Hogan, and Loki, Deadpool & Wolverine touch several tendrils of the larger universe. The “Sacred Timeline” comes up multiple times, but it’s a moment in The Void that solidifies the clear direction of the franchise. If you do not want spoilers, now is the time to dip out. The rest will have spoilers, so be warned.
SPOILERS FOR DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE BELOW!
What Happens in Deadpool & Wolverine?
By the conclusion of Deadpool & Wolverine, our favorite X-Boys have found their way back to Pool’s apartment. They’re here to stay, and they were able to avoid a horrifying erasure from existence. Their maximum effort yields maximum results.
However, that does not mean they’re sitting pretty in the future. After all, while the TVA let them go this time, they are aware that their universe has broken in the past. Additionally, while this version of Logan (Hugh Jackman) seems willing to stay, he’s filling the void of a dead Logan. One wonders if this is actually for the best. The best news comes in the reintroduction of Daphne Keene, as X-23 should matter in the future of the MCU.
Everything seems happy. Then what’s the problem?
Well, that stems from a little comic book blowing through the wind. As Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds) awoke in The Void, the Secret Wars comic book flew by his head. Any comic book fan paying attention noticed it, in part because it lands in the dirt before it officially gets pulled off-screen.
In the aftermath of the Jonathan Majors scandals, Marvel still wishes to move forward with a Secret Wars plotline, and bringing back the Russos signals that move. With Deadpool & Wolverine establishing their timeline, it is safe for now, which means they are not interacting with Earth-616 moving forward. However, considering the strain the TVA puts on all of the universes, it’s not hard to see how TVA technology and The Void are the perfect place for a cross-dimensional battle. Secret Wars, here we come.
Avengers: Secret Wars is already in production
While there’s been some dispute over how quickly – and how many parts – a Secret Wars movie will be in theaters, the event is coming. Written by Jim Shooter, the series allowed Marvel to let their heroes and villains let their powers do the most damage possible. Additionally, it helped clarify some aspects of the canon up to that point.
The original Secret Wars series ran from 1984 to 1985 when a being known as The Beyonder forced the Marvel heroes and villains to fight on Battleworld. During the skirmishes, a villain alliance helped Doctor Doom steal The Beyonder’s powers and rule with an iron fist. Eventually, the heroes helped defeat Doom, and Mr. Fantastic built a portal back to Earth.
However, Marvel Comics brought it back again in the future. The 2015 to 2016 series, written by Jonathan Hickman, approached the multiverse question seriously. Rather than let there multiple continuities, most notably the combination of Earth-616 and Earth-1610 (The Ultimates universe), the heroes battled each other once more. It also allowed fun side universes, like House of M or 1602 to find their way into the larger canon.
Where does that leave Deadpool & Wolverine?
Considering the lack of mutants (outside of Kamala Khan) in the MCU, we should see the X-Men and Deadpool fit neatly alongside the Avengers. This likely starts with Deadpool & Wolverine as an incursion point, where the universes grow awareness of each other’s existence. Additionally, the Fantastic Four‘s 1960s setting allows it to sit at a time outside of the existing canon. It would be less surprising if the Fantastic Four ended up coming from another universe altogether, allowing them to tell their story independently of the characters in the MCU.
This is the first time we’ve seen an entire MCU movie take place outside of Earth-616. We’ve had previous incursions, of course, including Monica Rambo meeting Beast and Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness. However, those stories looped back to the current universe or left the majority of characters in their “home” universe. Now that we’ve seen stories from outside the 616 canon, will we see Disney/Marvel try to use these alternate versions of the characters as their primary heroes post-Secret Wars?
We know the X-Men and Fantastic Four are cited as huge characters to break into the universe. If that’s the way we’re moving forward, will the MCU recast roles like Elecktra (again) or let Jennifer Garner reprise the role in the future? There are many ways that Disney/Marvel could handle these issues, and Deadpool & Wolverine hints at their answer.
For better or worse, the cameos and fan service allow the hardcore audiences to enjoy a love letter to an old studio. People love those X-Men movies, and while a few have been stinkers, Hugh Jackman has maybe the highest approval rating of any superhero actor in existence. While the nostalgia and novelty will eventually wear off, it also allows Marvel to spend less time developing new characters. This means fewer origin stories and more time jumping into the battles. Considering many of the best characters have been introduced in one medium or another, this is a massive win for audiences.
Marvel needs to right the ship
Regardless of where the MCU goes, it must get back on track. The box office numbers have been disappointing. The TV show ratings have sunk. Even Deadpool & Wolverine make consistent jokes that Marvel seemingly lost their touch. They need to get things rolling in the right direction, and now, they can. If Deadpool & Wolverine does not make over a billion dollars worldwide, the damage to the brand will be evident. However, with more passionate movies like this one, they can reverse the direction of the ailing studio.
Most importantly, Deadpool & Wolverine cannot have a huge first week and fall off a cliff in the coming months. This movie has a unique chance of reminding audiences why they love comic book movies. For the griping and frustration over some cameos, these movies have held a dominant place in the culture for over two decades. If Deadpool & Wolverine can ignite that passion again, audiences will be more on board for future MCU installments.
Follow us for more entertainment coverage on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
