Deadpool & Wolverine has perforated the air with a frenzy of thrill and anticipation. And why wouldn’t it? It marks the resurrection of everyone’s favorite disgruntled mutant, after all.
It’s difficult to imagine anyone who wouldn’t be thrumming with excitement about Hugh Jackman’s return as Wolverine. And yet, there is someone who’s anything BUT delighted about the emblazoned homecoming of Logan/James Howlett – it’s the man who gave the character an otherwise immaculate last hurrah.
James Mangold Isn’t Fond of Multiversal Storytelling
James Mangold – whose Hollywood tenure comprises a tapestry of different genres – has been attached to some of the most iconic flagship projects, the likes of which include X-Men films and the latest Indiana Jones outing. But when it comes to multiverses, consider the otherwise versatile director out.
While talking about his forthcoming Bob Dylan biopic, A Complete Unkown, in a new interview with Rolling Stone, Mangold expressed his distaste towards the labyrinthine ways of multiversal storytelling.
It’s weird that I’ve even worked in the world of IP entertainment because I don’t like multi-movie universe-building. I think it’s the enemy of storytelling. The death of storytelling. It’s more interesting to people the way the Legos connect than the way the story works in front of us.
For the 60-year-old filmmaker, the hallmark of a memorable film is if it works on an “emotional level,” as opposed to the “intellectual act” of those that are peppered with Easter eggs and references to other movies. Looks like someone isn’t impressed by the Merc with a Mouth x Wolverine duo.
The Logan Director Wasn’t Keen on Hugh Jackman’s Return As Wolverine
The death of Hugh Jackman‘s Wolverine in Logan – which was triggered by adamantium poisoning – came off as a shock to everyone across the fandom. He was a beloved superhero, after all. Tears were shed and shortly after, the Aussie star announced his retirement from the role.
Heartbreaking as it may have been, however, Wolverine’s demise seemed like the perfect denouement to that X-Men chapter. Until of course, Marvel brought him back to life in a different timeline in Shawn Levy’s Deadpool threequel. And suddenly, Jackman was back in action as the once-dead mutant.
But while everyone else had been busy celebrating this massive development, Mangold – who’d meticulously built a rather fitting climax for the character – had been mourning what he recently deemed “the death of storytelling.”
“I can’t say that there’s a part of me that doesn’t wish that we’d let it be,” the Ford v Ferrari director said of Jackman’s comeback as the legendary character. “But there was always going to be another Wolverine […] As much liquid as they can squeeze out of that rag, they’re going to try to.” (via Variety).
Mangold hadn’t been the only one against the prospect of Wolverine’s revival, Marvel boss and Deadpool 3 producer Kevin Feige had himself advised the 55-year-old actor against it. “‘You had the greatest ending in history with Logan,'” Feige told Jackman. “‘That’s not something we should undo'” (via Empire | ScreenRant).
Alas, fate had different plans in store for them.
Deadpool & Wolverine is currently playing in theatres.
