Summary

Deadpool & Wolverine
is the first R-rated film in the MCU, a shake-up for the franchise
Ryan Reynolds surprised but proud of Marvel Studios for allowing R-rating.
Director Shawn Levy says there is no need to do homework before watching the film.

As Deadpool & Wolverine prepare to kill, crack-wise, and swear their way into the MCU, the film’s lead, Ryan Reynolds, recently revealed how surprised he was that Marvel Studios let them make the film. Reynolds returns for the third time as Wade Wilson/Deadpool, bringing with him a comic book movie legend in Hugh Jackman, who reprises the role of Logan/Wolverine for the 10th time in his career. Despite entering the confines of the (almost exclusively) PG-13 rated Marvel Cinematic Universe, Deadpool & Wolverine will break as many rules as they do fourth walls, with the film being the first hard R-Rated film in the franchise.

Speaking to Fandango, Reynolds (who appeared alongside Jackman and the film’s director, Shawn Levy), said he was surprised and immensely proud of Marvel Studios for allowing them to make the film the way they wanted. “I think it’s a huge step for them,” Reynolds said. He then went on to describe how the film’s R-rating pushes the MCU into new territory, giving the long-running franchise a much-needed shake up. Reynolds said:

“I’m really proud of them for doing this. It adds a whole other color to this kaleidoscopic wheel that is that company and the different people that they have been entertaining for forever.”

For Deadpool fans, the character’s third film being R-rated was a no-brainer. Whilst under the 20th Century Fox banner, Deadpool (and it’s sequel Deadpool 2) separated itself from the rest of the X-Men movies through its R-rated, fourth-wall breaking antics. During the height of the superhero genre, it made for a nice change of tone and pace for fans to see an unhinged anti-hero unleashed on screen, and they are hoping Deadpool & Wolverine can do the same for the staling MCU. But Reynolds was ultimately surprised that Marvel Studios leaned into the R-rating, saying:

“I was surprised though that they let us go as Hard R… but very grateful. I mean, there’s no other way to do it. For this character and this world, and particularly Logan being an R-rated film as well, I felt like that was the most full-throated version of Wolverine or Logan that we’ve ever seen as well, so it really allowed us a lot of freedom, not exploiting the R rating just to do R-rated stuff, but really allowing us to do anything and everything in a world where anything and everything is possible.”

Deadpool & Wolverine Requires Little Prior-Knowledge of the MCU

The Marvel Cinematic Universe has been running steady for 16 years, and has produced 33 films within that time. That’s a lot of films to catch up on for newer fans of the franchise. And, that’s not even including the multiple Disney+ shows set in the same universe. However, Deadpool & Wolverine’s director, Shawn Levy, has assured audiences that they don’t need to do “any homework” before watching the new film. Speaking to AP, Levy said:

“I very much made this film with certainly a healthy respect and gratitude towards the rabid fan base that has peak fluency in the mythology and lore of these characters and this world. But I didn’t want to presume that. This movie is built for entertainment, with no obligation to come prepared with prior research.”

Related Secret Video Sees Ryan Reynolds Declare Deadpool & Wolverine ‘is Cinema’ but Will Not Have a Post-Credit Scene Ryan Reynolds has hinted at the unthinkable, suggesting that Deadpool & Wolverine will not have a post-credit scene. Like anyone believes him.

Deadpool & Wolverine
slashes and swears its way into theaters on July 26.