Released in July 2024, Deadpool & Wolverine marked a turning point for Marvel Studios. It was the first film to officially integrate Deadpool and Wolverine into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). But few fans know that the story almost took a completely different turn.
A bold idea: killing Deadpool
Indeed, Ryan Reynolds, who plays Wade Wilson, recently revealed that they seriously considered killing Deadpool at the end of the film. He, director Shawn Levy, editor Dean Zimmerman, and Shane Reid reportedly reworked the third act for nearly 45 days. They explored several avenues to find the perfect ending, and one of them was the death of Wade Wilson. Of course, this would have given the character a definitive ending. But this was no ordinary death. They considered an extreme form of demise: Deadpool's complete disintegration. This was difficult to achieve, given that Wade Wilson possesses near-infinite regenerative powers. Killing him, even by disintegration, would have represented a major narrative challenge. Why did Marvel Studios refuse? According to Reynolds, the studio sees Deadpool as a character who breaks the mold, speaks directly to the audience, and brings a unique sense of humor and derision. In other words, Marvel knows it can continue to exploit this role in future projects. Furthermore, keeping Deadpool alive opens the door to countless storytelling possibilities. He can appear in other films, build bridges with other characters, or even lead his own adventures.
The team faced this big creative dilemma
In fact, the creative team wanted a memorable ending, one that would surprise and leave a lasting impression on the audience. But they had to deal with the studio's expectations and the character's longevity.
The fact is, for them, Deadpool is more than just a hero. He's an anti-hero capable of breaking the fourth wall, making jokes, and thus destabilizing his opponents.
Reynolds also shared that the team reworked the final act for weeks, focusing on the music and soundtrack. Ryan is usually very particular about his musical choices (the “needle-drop”), but he learned to better integrate orchestral music with the help of composer Rob Simonsen. This collaboration would have helped balance the emotions and energy of the final scene.
And now, what's next for Deadpool?
Currently, Deadpool & Wolverine is available to stream on Disney+. Wade Wilson's future, however, remains uncertain. Ryan Reynolds has not yet confirmed his next appearance in the MCU. He's reportedly working on an X-Men-related project, but no official date has been announced.
Also, there's a rumor that Deadpool will be in 2026's Avengers: Doomsday. But again, nothing has been confirmed yet.
In any case, one thing is certain: Marvel intends to exploit this iconic character for a long time to come.
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