‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ Ending and Post-Credits Scene Explained: Will Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool and Hugh Jackman’s Logan Return for Future ‘Avengers’ Movies? (SPOILER ALERT)
Deadpool & Wolverine is set to become Marvel’s latest hit at the box office. While the critics’ response has been mixed, the R-rated superhero movie has enjoyed a very good audience response, particularly from the fans of Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds) and Wolverine (Hugh Jackman). Deadpool & Wolverine marks the MCU debut of both characters, which is significant for Marvel fans. They are not the only Marvel heroes joining the universe; there are some surprises too, although one does not make it to the end but is responsible for a very funny post-credit scene. ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ Movie Review: Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman’s Fan-Pleasing Antics Ain’t Enough To Redeem Marvel Cinematic Universe!
Deadpool & Wolverine, directed by Shawn Levy, serves as a tribute to the superhero franchises created by 20th Century Fox (now part of Disney, the merger is meta-woven into the plot). Contrary to expectations that the movie might change the dynamics of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), as the trailers hinted with Deadpool’s ‘Marvel Jesus’ reference, Deadpool & Wolverine feels more standalone, similar to previous Deadpool movies related to the X-Men franchise. Even the finale of the movie does not significantly impact the wider universe.
What happens in the finale, and will we see Wolverine and Deadpool in future MCU movies? Should people wait for a franchise-changing end-credit scene? Why are the Deadpool variants wanting to kill one of their own? Will we see the established cameos return?
In this SPOILER-filled feature, we answer these questions. However, we won’t recap the finale. Instead, we’ll let a screenshot from the plot section of the Deadpool & Wolverine Wikipedia page do that job.
Plot section of the Deadpool & Wolverine Wikipedia page
Who Are the Deadpool Corps?
When Deadpool and Wolverine return to Earth-10005, they face not only Cassandra Nova, who came through the same portal and plans to use the Time-Ripper to destroy the universe, but also an army of Deadpool variants. These are called the Deadpool Corps, a team of Deadpools from alternate universes. In the comics, the Deadpool Corps was founded by the Deadpool from Earth-616, the ‘Sacred Timeline’ of the MCU, which is currently Deadpool-less. They were created to stop a cosmic entity called the Awareness that devours the Multiverse’s consciousness.
The movie’s Deadpool Corps has no such noble intentions and acts as secondary antagonists for the heroes before they reach the final hurdle. They also give Wolverine an opportunity to wear his iconic mask from the comics before he and Deadpool shred them to pieces, only for them to regenerate.
Deadpool Corps in Comics
The Deadpool Corps in the movie is seemingly led by Lady Deadpool, the first variant to walk out of the portal. She is played by Blake Lively, though we never see her unmasked, unlike the unfortunate Nicepool. Earlier in the movie, Nicepool even comments on how she was pregnant and delivered a baby, who we assume to be Babypool, played by Ryan and Blake’s fourth child, Olin. One of their other kids, Inez, also plays a Deadpool variant, the aggressive Kidpool.
Blake Lively Kissing Ryan Reynolds (Photo Credits: Instagram)
Apart from them, some other Deadpool variants have speaking lines, voiced by well-known celebs. The floating Deadpool skull, known as Headpool, is voiced by Nathan Fillion, the Cowboy Deadpool is voiced by Matthew McConaughey, and Wrexham AFC player Paul Mullin plays Welshpool. All Deadpool variants are major fans of Peter (Rob Delaney). ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ Cameos Explained: From Chris Evans’ Johnny Storm to Jennifer Garner’s Elektra, Check Out All Major Cameos in Hugh Jackman-Ryan Reynolds’ Film.
Is Cassandra Nova Gone for Good?
In superhero movies, no death seems permanent, and characters often return thanks to the multiverse. However, we believe that the Cassandra Nova (Emma Corrin) variant we see in the movie is gone for good.
A Still From Deadpool & Wolverine
While trying to use the Time-Ripper to destroy the multiverses, she gets obliterated when Deadpool and Wolverine try to pull off what the Guardians did at the end of their first film to contain the Power Stone. They survive; she is gone. However, the X-Men films that Kevin Feige is developing may bring some variant of her back to torture her twin brother, Professor X.
Will Deadpool and Wolverine Return for Future MCU Films?
That’s the million-dollar question, isn’t it? The Deadpool & Wolverine ending gives these characters the kind of closure similar to the finale of Loki Season 2 – keeping the door half-open. There is a closure for these characters, but also an opening for their possible return. This time, Reynolds and Jackman don’t need to come back as other variants of their characters.
A Still From Deadpool & Wolverine
Let’s first discuss why they may not need to return. Deadpool & Wolverine has capped off the Deadpool trilogy in a way that Reynolds intended – a major success. Even if the movie has not won over all fans, it is set to do excellent business at the box office, possibly becoming the highest-grossing film of the year. Deadpool & Wolverine also fulfills Reynolds’ wish of working with Jackman and Deadpool’s goal of playing alongside Wolverine. It brings in major cameos, and even though Deadpool joked about budget constraints (after Johnny Storm’s unfortunate death), the third film has grown much bigger than the first Deadpool movie in terms of budget and cameos. Deadpool & Wolverine allows Reynolds to end his passion-franchise on a high, which is well established in the protagonists’ final scene.
A Still From Deadpool & Wolverine
The final dinner table scene sees Deadpool with his friends and rekindling his romance with Vanessa (Morena Baccarin). Wolverine accepts that he cannot bring his old world back, the deaths of his friends have made him who he is now, and it is time for him to embrace new friends and a new life. His being with Deadpool and his friends shows he has done exactly that, and he also has the company of his (short-term) foster daughter from another universe in X-23 (Dafne Keen), which negates the poignant ending of Logan. ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ From Drone Show to Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score; 5 Ways How Ryan Reynolds-Hugh Jackman’s Marvel Film Got Celebrated on Its Release Day.
This serves as a closing tribute to the X-Men universe, with its two most popular characters back where they belong and being content with that.
A Still From Deadpool & Wolverine
So why do we think Deadpool and Wolverine could return to the MCU? As Deadpool jokes in the film, ‘Marvel Cash’ will make them work till they are 90! It is certain that Deadpool & Wolverine is going to make a billion dollars at the global box office, and Marvel will not miss the opportunity to cash in on this pairing again. Nostalgia baiting has worked this time, even if not with all critics, and Marvel may look to use that to their advantage till fans are tired. The folks over at DC may be wondering what they are doing wrong at their end.
Where Could We See Them Next?
It is uncertain if we will see a Deadpool 4 movie soon, but money talks, so never say never. The best chance for these two characters to appear would be in one of the upcoming Avengers movies, possibly the much-rumoured Secret Wars film.
A Still From Deadpool & Wolverine
There is a strong rumour that Marvel is planning to bring Jackman’s Wolverine, Tobey Maguire’s Spider-Man, and Robert Downey Jr’s Iron Man (variant) together for an epic fight. It is still a rumour, but remember, Chris Evans, who was done with the MCU, still returned to the franchise, albeit in a cameo as Johnny Storm/The Human Torch. So again, when money talks, never say never!
Did the MCU Already Tease Who Their Next Wolverine Would Be?
While we love seeing Jackman play Wolverine in numerous movies, that may not happen. While Kevin Feige might entice Jackman to return for the Avengers film with a possibility of facing off against the Hulk (a missed opportunity in Deadpool & Wolverine), we don’t believe the actor would want to keep playing the role. ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ Fact Check: BLACKPINK’s Jennie Kim, Emma Stone, Keanu Reeves, Arnold Schwarzenegger Cast As Deadpool Variants? Here’s Truth About Viral ‘Leaked’ Cast Credits.
Henry Cavill’s Leaked Cameo
If that’s the case, Deadpool & Wolverine has already teased a solid replacement: Henry Cavill. Even though it was just for a few seconds, Cavill made for an awesome Wolverine, so he is whom Marvel might chase to replace Jackman. We may be sad to see Jackman go (again), but we wouldn’t mind seeing the former Superman and Geralt of Rivia step into his shoes.
Will The Others Return?
The Others in the movie are a group of superheroes trying to fight Cassandra Nova and her mutant gang. They are variants of previously established superheroes who used to be a group of six, though when Deadpool and Wolverine meet them in the film, they are reduced to four. Magneto was killed before they arrived, and thanks to Deadpool’s snitching, Nova had killed Johnny Storm. The survivors now include X-23, Elektra (Jennifer Garner), Blade (Wesley Snipes), and Gambit (Channing Tatum).
Jennifer Garner in Elektra
While Garner and Snipes have played their characters in the past on the big screen – Garner with less success and Snipes with better success – this is the first time we see Tatum as Gambit. Gambit is a mutant who can create, control, and manipulate pure kinetic energy. He is a very popular X-Men character, a fan-favourite in the X-Men 95 and X-Men 97 animated series. In the live-action film format, he appeared in X-Men: Origins – Wolverine, which starred both Jackman and Reynolds, though he was played by Taylor Kitsch.
Fan Art for Channing Tatum as Gambit
Fox wanted to make a solo Gambit film for a long time and had even cast Channing Tatum in the role. Even though Tatum tried hard to get the film into production, it was ultimately shelved. This cameo allows the Magic Mike actor to fulfil an unfinished dream. But is it the last time we see him as this character on screen? Or, for that matter, even Garner’s Elektra and Snipes’ Blade?
After Alioth attacks Cassandra Nova’s camp right when Deadpool and Wolverine jump into the portal, we thought this would be the end of The Others. However, after destroying the Time-Ripper, when Deadpool and Wolverine meet TVA’s Hunter B-15 (Wunmi Mosaku) while she is arresting Paradox (Matthew Macfadyen), Deadpool asks her to return The Others to their universes, which she agrees to do.
Even though we do not see Elektra, Blade, and Gambit return to their universes, we see confirmation when X-23 is part of Deadpool’s dinner table reunion, along with Wolverine. Will we see these characters again in the future? Like with Deadpool and Wolverine, the door is half-open for them too. They could pop up in one of the Avengers films. While we do not think Garner would return to playing Elektra on a full-time basis (Daredevil has already established Elodie Yung in their universe), the MCU can bring back Tatum as Gambit since he was so good in the role.
Wesley Snipes as Blade
As for Blade, if Mahershala Ali is done waiting for the reboot to go into production and opts out (which looks to be the case now), Marvel could go back to the original. After all, Snipes proudly declares in the movie that he is the only one who has played the role, even if his statement gets a knowing stare at the camera from Deadpool.
Is There a Mid-Credit Scene?
There is no mid-credit scene for Deadpool & Wolverine. Instead, there is a heartfelt tribute to 20th Century superhero movies, showing scenes and BTS footage, including the much-maligned 2015 version of Fantastic Four. This was a nice touch of nostalgia for a film that heavily depended on it.
Is There an End-Credit Scene?
Yes, but it does not tease the next Marvel movie, which might be disappointing for some. However, it aligns with the irreverence of Deadpool humour and previous end-credit scenes in the franchise and is, in this writer’s opinion, the funniest scene in the whole movie.
Chris Evans as Johnny Storm in Fantastic Four
Deadpool is back in the TVA headquarters with a point to prove. Blamed frequently by Wolverine for Johnny Storm’s death by claiming the latter described Nova in the worst way possible, Deadpool is determined to prove he was not lying. He shows us one of the screens where he reverses time to go back to the Void where he, Wolverine, and Johnny Storm were captives of Nova. This time, we see an unseen moment where Johnny actually says everything that Deadpool had told her (thus proving he was not lying). And what’s more, he goes far and beyond in describing her with some very objectionable adjectives that we can’t repeat here. It is an excellent comedic performance from Chris Evans, who didn’t get to show much of his comic skills in the MCU while playing the sincere and straightforward Captain America (though there were some funny bits, like ‘America’s Ass’), and now he gets to do so playing his other Marvel character! Flame on, dude, though we could hear the Cap saying ‘Language’!
(The above story first appeared on Today News 24 on Jul 26, 2024 10:54 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website todaynews24.top).
