Deadpool & Wolverine (2024 Film)

Deadpool & Wolverine is an upcoming American superhero film featuring the iconic Marvel Comics characters Deadpool and Wolverine. Produced by Marvel Studios, Maximum Effort, and 21 Laps Entertainment, and distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, this highly anticipated movie is set to become the 34th installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Serving as a sequel to Deadpool (2016) and Deadpool 2 (2018), the film is helmed by director Shawn Levy and boasts a star-studded cast including Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool and Hugh Jackman as Wolverine. Joining them are Emma Corrin, Morena Baccarin, Rob Delaney, Leslie Uggams, Karan Soni, and Matthew Macfadyen.

Development for the third Deadpool film commenced at 20th Century Fox in November 2016 but was put on hold following Disney’s acquisition of the studio in March 2019. Subsequently, control of the character transitioned to Marvel Studios, leading to the inception of a new project involving Reynolds. This installment aims to integrate Deadpool into the MCU while maintaining the R rating characteristic of its predecessors. Writers Wendy Molyneux and Lizzie Molyneux-Logelin came aboard in November 2020, with Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick returning for rewrites by March 2022. Levy was appointed as director in March 2022, and Jackman confirmed his return as Wolverine in August 2022. By May 2023, Zeb Wells, Reynolds, and Levy were all confirmed to contribute to the script. Filming commenced in May 2023 at Pinewood Studios in England, with additional shooting locations in Norfolk and at Bovingdon Film Studios. Despite a temporary suspension in July due to the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike, production resumed later that November and concluded in January 2024. The film’s official title was revealed in February 2024, previously known informally as Deadpool 3.

Deadpool & Wolverine is slated for release on July 26, 2024, as part of Phase Five of the MCU. This crossover promises to shake up the MCU landscape with the irreverent Deadpool teaming up with the enigmatic Wolverine.

Principal photography commenced on May 22, 2023, in London and at Pinewood Studios in Buckinghamshire, England, under the working title Tidal Wave. Renowned cinematographer George Richmond joined the project, having previously collaborated with Levy and Reynolds on Free Guy. Despite initial hopes to film in Vancouver, Reynolds deferred to Marvel Studios’ established infrastructure. Filming proceeded smoothly, with Marvel Studios adapting to the 2023 Writers Guild of America strike by planning necessary writing adjustments during scheduled reshoots. Additionally, Levy coordinated with the creative team of the Netflix series Stranger Things to facilitate his involvement in directing an episode of the series’ final season.

In June, the film’s release date was moved forward to May 3, 2024, and filming continued with various scenes shot on location in London and Norfolk, including a notable car crash sequence. Jennifer Garner’s purported appearance as Elektra sparked interest, although Garner later denied her involvement. Production shifted to Bovingdon Film Studios, emphasizing a preference for real locations over soundstages to enhance authenticity. The 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike briefly interrupted filming but did not hinder post-production efforts, allowing Reynolds and Levy to focus on editing and visual effects. Despite challenges, including casting rumors and logistical adjustments, Disney ensured the project’s continuity during the strike period.

The film’s teaser trailer debuted during Super Bowl LVIII in February 2024, garnering widespread attention and confirming Deadpool’s integration into the MCU. With record-breaking views and speculation surrounding its content, Deadpool & Wolverine promises to deliver a thrilling addition to the MCU canon, blending humor, action, and interconnected storytelling.