It’s been quite the journey for Ryan Reynolds and Deadpool. From a project that had to be leaked on the internet to get greenlighted to getting an unlikely sequel, and now, the threequel won’t just be a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe – it’s Marvel Studios’ biggest bet ever in more than a decade.
In a move not seen since, well, forever, Marvel is cashing in all its good will with audiences, hoping that Reynolds, with the help of Shawn Levy and a smorgasbord of cameos, can carry them through what’s arguably their toughest time yet.
In case it isn’t clear by now, we’re talking about how Deadpool 3 will be the sole MCU film to premiere in 2024 – the first time this has happened for the multi-billion-dollar cinematic franchise.
This bold if shocking move comes in the wake of a year where the MCU’s output, while abundant, failed to meet most if not all the high standards of success that they’re known for, with only Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 and Loki Season 2 achieving notable success. Other projects like Secret Invasion and The Marvels struggled, the latter setting records for the lowest domestic box office and steepest second-weekend revenue drop. This is a trend that started way earlier in the year with the premiere of Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantomania, which was criticized for its lackluster VFX effects.
2023 was marked as an unusual year for Disney, as no Disney movie crossed the $1 billion global box office mark, one of the only few times it happened. As Disney and Marvel look forward to next year, the company’s focus on the quality of its projects over quantity has become apparent, as emphasized by Bob Iger, the head of Disney. The 2024 lineup proves this, which, apart from Deadpool 3, primarily comprises television shows set for release on Disney+ and Hulu.
Deadpool 3 stands as a significant release for multiple reasons. It’s not just another installment in the popular Deadpool franchise but also marks the character’s official integration into the MCU. The film is expected to be an R-rated venture, diverging from the typical MCU formula and potentially setting a darker tone for future projec
endly content may reflect an adjustment in its content strategy as it focuses on exploring narratives in a format that allows for more depth and character development than a feature film’s typical runtime.
However, there are concerns among fans regarding the potential quality of the upcoming side content, especially after a series of duds last year. The key challenge for Marvel is ensuring that these series maintain a high standard of storytelling and character development, avoiding the pitfalls of filler content that marred its latest offerings.
Nevertheless, this is excellent news for fans expecting to watch Deadpool 3 when it hits theaters next year. It was poised to play a crucial role in shaping the future direction of the MCU. This only adds more to the expectations and pressure on the film. It’s no longer enough that it become a box office success, but Deadpool 3 has to integrate the titular anti-hero, among others, into the broader MCU narrative. Its success or failure in doing both, and not just one or the other, will likely influence Marvel’s approach to character integration and narrative development in its subsequent phases.
In addition to the relatively slim, quality-focused Marvel slate, Disney’s 2024 lineup includes promising releases like The Acolyte, Bad Batch Season 3, Skeleton Crew, and Tales of the Jedi in the Star Wars universe. These releases, while not directly connected to the MCU, will contribute to Disney’s overall performance in the coming year.
As Marvel steps into 2024 with a more streamlined approach, the focus will undoubtedly be on Deadpool 3, both as a standalone film and as a bellwether for the future of the MCU. The film’s unique position in the MCU lineup, coupled with the high expectations from fans, makes it one of the most anticipated releases of the year.
For now, fans will have to settle for the leaks about Deadpool 3 on the internet, which Reynolds hopes will end soon.
