Marvel's Summer Blockbuster, 'Deadpool & Wolverine,' Not Releasing as Expected: Report

July has arrived, and with it, the Merc with a Mouth, Deadpool, will make his highly-anticipated Marvel Cinematic Universe debut. However, after many rumors, theories, and reports, it seems Shawn Levy’s Deadpool & Wolverine (2024) will not be releasing quite how audiences expect it to.

Deadpool and Wolverine in a yellow and blue costume, jump through a glowing circular portal, holding hands. Explosive scenery with smoke and debris is visible in the background. — Credit: Marvel Studios

On July 26, 2024, Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman will make their long-awaited MCU debut in Deadpool & Wolverine.

The arrival of these once-Fox-owned characters in Kevin Feige’s blockbuster franchise comes after The Walt Disney Company acquired 21st Century Fox and its 20th Century Fox (now 20th Century Studios) movie studio.

And even though Feige has stated his focus was never really on Deadpool, but the beloved X-Men mutant squad, Ryan Reynolds’ many pitches for a third movie got the project underway.

A person with a heavily textured, bumpy complexion stares intensely. They have short, disheveled hair and wear a green jacket over a shirt with a red floral pattern. They stand against a dark, weathered wooden door with a peephole. — Credit: Marvel Studios

As director Shawn Levy has stated, though, this is not Deadpool 3. The Stranger Things producer shared that Deadpool & Wolverine, as its name suggests, is firmly a two-hander character adventure.

This iteration of “Deadpool 3,” then, is vastly different than what was originally planned for the character’s third outing.

Wolverine and Deadpool stand in the middle of a deserted street, dressed in their superhero costumes, with a damaged pharmacy and debris in the background. — Credit: Marvel Studios

Back in 2017, writers Paul Wernick and Rhett Reese shared that Deadpool 3 was going to be a much quieter movie compared to Tim Miller and David Leitch’s previous movies.

This was corroborated by Dopinder actor Karan Soni, who shared that Deadpool 3‘s plan was to follow the wise-cracking assassin as he ventured to the North Pole to save Christmas.

Now, as more information comes to light about Deadpool & Wolverine, it seems the MCU’s movie will be a lot bigger than once planned.

Mr. Paradox (L) and Wade Wilson (R) watching scenes from the MCU involving Captain America at the Time Variance Authority — Credit: Marvel Studios

The movie will follow Reynolds’ Wade Wilson as he becomes recruited by the Time Variance Authority (TVA) to “change the cinematic universe forever.”

Joining forces with Hugh Jackman’s Logan, the pair looks set to combat Variants of characters from across the MCU and Fox superhero universes and face off against a new foe: Emma Corrin’s Cassandra Nova.

A shot of Cassandra Nova (Emma Corrin) in the shadows from behind — Credit: Marvel Studios

From the initial teaser trailer at the Super Bowl LVIII to the more recent Friendship Day footage, the Taylor Swift rumors and a viral popcorn bucket reveal, Deadpool & Wolverine is now on track to becoming the biggest opening of the year.

With record ticket pre-sales for an R-rated movie, Disney’s first MCU with the rating, Deadpool & Wolverine is now eyeing a huge $200-$239 million domestic opening weekend. If it sticks the landing, Levy’s film will outperform Nia DaCosta’s The Marvels‘ entire global takings.

But audiences may want to temper their expectations following a new report.

A person in a red and black superhero costume, unmistakably resembling Deadpool, stands confidently in front of an overturned black vehicle. The cityscape background features tall buildings under a clear sky as the character strikes a bold pose, one arm held high. — Credit: 20th Century Studios

It was shared a few weeks ago that the Deadpool & Wolverine post-credits scene was “mind-blowing” and that scoopers in the know were waiting to see who pulled the trigger first and revealed the contents.

Post-credits scenes have been a permanent fixture of MCU movies since 2008’s Iron Man. The short clips usually set up future storylines or answer questions left unanswered.

Hugh Jackman as Wolverine in 'Deadpool & Wolverine' — Credit: Marvel Studios

In Deadpool & Wolverine‘s case, the post-credits scene will likely hint towards the future of Phase Five and Phase Six, potentially even acknowledging the future Avengers 5 (2026) and Avengers: Secret Wars (2027) films.

However, according to new reports, this expectation of a “mind-blowing” scene is incorrect. Scooper Cryptic HD Quality said (via Comic Book Movie):

“Basically, the [post-credits scene] isn’t MIND BLOWING. Doesn’t set anything up. This film is contained in itself and doesn’t really need rewatches to understand anything as Shawn [Levy] himself has stated. It will definitely have things built off it in the future though.”

Close-up of a person walking through a fiery scene. They are wearing red boots with a metallic design and the ground is covered with glowing embers, creating an intense, dramatic atmosphere. Only the lower part of their legs is visible. — Credit: Marvel Studios

This came after other insiders reported that Marvel Studios was considering bringing Robert Downey Jr. back as Doctor Doom and that the beloved Tony Stark actor was being lined up for a cameo in the Deadpool & Wolverine post-credits scene.

It seems that is no longer the case. Although, Downey Jr. has spoken out about his potential return to the MCU, letting fans know he is ready to reprise his role as Iron Man.

Robert Downey Jr. in an iron man suit with the helmet partially open, revealing their face. — Credit: Marvel Studios

Reports recently surfaced that suggested both Downey Jr. and Tom Holland (Peter Parker/Spider-Man) would star in Avengers: Secret Wars. However, neither Disney nor Marvel Studios has confirmed the theory (and it likely won’t until 2027).

The report that Deadpool & Wolverine does not feature a “mind-blowing” post-credits scene lines up with the confirmation that the film is a self-contained entity.

A person in a red and black superhero costume, clearly Deadpool from the Marvel universe, equipped with two swords on their back, is sitting on a ledge or rooftop reading a piece of paper. The background features a modern building with balconies. — Credit: 20th Century Studios

While it tackles elements of the Multiverse and is part of the official canon, the film will be accessible to those who are not fully informed about recent events.

The existence of projects as more singular entities is seemingly the future of the MCU. After years of just sequels and multi-episode Disney+ shows that connect to the wider canon, Marvel has issued a new system of working.

A close-up image of Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) and intense expression, wearing a yellow and black suit, seemingly viewed from a low angle in "Deadpool 3. — Credit: Marvel Studios

TV shows will no longer be treated like extended movies; the new Marvel Spotlight banner will single out self-contained stories, and the influx of sequels will come to an end. Change is definitely afoot in Kevin Feige’s house, with Disney Chief Executive Officer Bob Iger sharing that distribution of MCU projects will also be reduced.

Are you hoping for a “mind-blowing” post-credits scene? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments down below!

Director: Shawn Levy

Screenplay: Ryan Reynolds, Rhett Reese, Paul Wernick, Zeb Wells, and Shawn Levy.

Cast: Ryan Reynolds as Wade Wilson/Deadpool, Hugh Jackman as Logan/Wolverine, Emma Corrin as Cassandra Nova, Leslie Uggams as Blind Al, Morena Baccarin as Vanessa, Rob Delaney as Peter, Matthew Macfadyen as TVA agent Paradox, Karan Soni as Dopinder, Brianna Hildebrand as Negasonic Teenage Warhead, Aaron Stanford as John Allerdyce/Pyro, Jennifer Garner as Elektra Natchios, Shioli Kutsuna as Yukio, Stefan Kapičić as Colossus, and Lewis Tan as Shatterstar.