‘Deadpool & Wolverine’: What you need to know before the epic release

As excitement rises for the release of “Deadpool & Wolverine,” fans are eagerly awaiting the latest chapter in the Deadpool franchise. 

The film promises a dynamic blend of chaos and humour as Ryan Reynolds’ Wade Wilson (Deadpool) and Hugh Jackman’s Logan (Wolverine) join forces. 

Early reactions highlight the film's “epic” cameos and the “dynamite” chemistry between Reynolds and Jackman, with some calling it a Marvel Cinematic Universe “game changer.”

The Deadpool series began with the 2016 film “Deadpool,” where audiences were introduced to Wade Wilson, a former Special Forces operative turned mercenary. Diagnosed with terminal cancer, Wade undergoes an experimental procedure led by Francis Freeman, aka Ajax (Ed Skrein). 

Although the procedure disfigures him, it grants him superhuman healing abilities. Taking on the Deadpool persona, Wade tracks down Ajax and battles him, ultimately defeating him with the help of Colossus (Stefan Kapičić) and Negasonic Teenage Warhead (Brianna Hildebrand). The film ends with Wade reuniting with his girlfriend Vanessa (Morena Baccarin).

In the 2018 sequel, Deadpool faces grief after Vanessa’s death at the hands of a crime boss. He joins the X-Men to honour her legacy and encounters Russell (Julian Dennison), a young mutant who becomes a target of the time-traveling mutant Cable (Josh Brolin). 

The film concludes with Deadpool sacrificing himself to save Russell, altering the timeline and reviving Vanessa.

“Deadpool & Wolverine” will be the 34th MCU film, serving as a direct sequel to “Deadpool 2.” The film will merge Deadpool into the Marvel Cinematic Universe and feature Wolverine from an alternate universe, preserving the ending of 2017’s “Logan.” Directed by Shawn Levy and featuring a cast including Emma Corrin, Morena Baccarin, and Matthew Macfadyen, the film promises to continue the irreverent humour fans love.

The film is set for release on July 26, with potential preview screenings on July 25. For more details, check out Variety’s cover story featuring Reynolds, Jackman, and Levy.