Actors Ryan Reynolds, left, and Hugh Jackman pose for the cameras during a press conference for the upcoming Marvel superhero action movie ″Deadpool & Wolverine″ at the Four Seasons Hotel Seoul in Jongno District, central Seoul, on July 4. [YONHAP] Unbridled madness will clash with ferocious intensity on July 24 when actors Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman exhibit their reluctant yet explosive chemistry in the latest installment of the Marvel anti-hero series, “Deadpool” (2016-).
True to its title, “Deadpool & Wolverine” will feature the erratic assassin Deadpool teaming up with the ruthless, clawed superhero Wolverine to save the world. Directed by Shawn Levy, the film fulfills the dreams of Marvel fans, arriving six years after “Deadpool 2” (2018).
The film faced significant delays in production. The rights to the "Deadpool" franchise, originally owned by 21st Century Fox, underwent changes when the company was acquired by the Walt Disney Company in 2019. The prolonged wait ended when Reynolds announced the release date in 2021 on X, formerly known as Twitter, also revealing Jackman’s return as Wolverine.
Jackman’s comeback surprised many, as his portrayal of Wolverine was thought to have ended with the character's last film, “Logan” (2017), which depicted an older, weary Wolverine. At the time, “Logan” was marketed as Jackman’s last appearance as Wolverine.
“I am so thrilled to be back playing a role that I didn't think I'd play again that I embrace [it] with all my heart,” said Jackman, during a press conference at the Four Seasons Hotel Seoul, Jongno District, central Seoul on Thursday. Reynolds and director Shawn Levy were also in attendance.
Still cut from upcoming superhero action movie “Deadpool & Wolverine” [WALT DISNEY COMPANY KOREA] “It's wonderful to be back here and particularly with this movie, particularly playing this character which I've been playing for 25 years,” said Jackman. This marks Jackman’s sixth visit to Korea, Reynolds' third and Levy’s first.
The trio made headlines on Wednesday when they were seen attending a baseball game at Gocheok Sky Dome in Guro District, western Seoul. Jackman noted that the Korean crowd exhibited unparalleled energy, while Reynolds humorously mentioned that his smartwatch kept warning him about the noise level, a message he’d only seen at a Taylor Swift concert.
Hugh Jackman, left, and Ryan Reynolds wave to fans with director Shawn Levy in a game between the LG Twins and Kiwoom Heroes at Gocheok Sky Dome in Guro District, western Seoul on July 3. [NEWS1] Jackman shared an anecdote about a fan mimicking Wolverine’s claws with three chopsticks, highlighting the palpable chemistry between the actors as they joked about their Korean experiences.
This real-life camaraderie translates to the film, as noted by the trio. One of the film's most anticipated aspects is the dynamic between Deadpool’s irreverent humor and Wolverine’s brooding intensity.
“There are many moments in the movie where it’s hard to distinguish whether Deadpool is talking to Wolverine or if it’s Ryan talking to Hugh, or Hugh talking to Ryan,” Reynolds said. The actor added that he, Jackman, and Levy are close friends, residing just blocks from each other in New York City.
Still cut from upcoming superhero action movie “Deadpool & Wolverine” [WALT DISNEY COMPANY KOREA] “It's a movie about a friendship that starts off with conflict but it evolves into connection,” said Levy. "It was made by three people who enjoy that connection [in real life].”
“Deadpool & Wolverine” marks Deadpool’s official entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). It will also be the first R-rated movie in the MCU.
Fans were initially concerned about the movie being part of the MCU, which had never before ventured into R-rated territory. Many said that its inclusion could dilute the "Deadpool” franchise — known for its meta narratives, crass humor and outrageous action sequences.
“The truth is I was never under any pressure to dilute Deadpool,” said Levy. “Marvel and Disney understood from the beginning that this was going to be something different.” Levy went on to say that the companies “supported that unique Deadpool tone every step of the way.”
Still cut from upcoming superhero action movie “Deadpool & Wolverine” [WALT DISNEY COMPANY KOREA] “It has always been about the story,” said Reynolds, adding to Levy’s answer saying that Deadpool was never made with the intent to make it “as R-rated as possible.” “The ability to tell the story authentically is the reason for that kind of freedom.”
“Deadpool & Wolverine” is set to release on July 24, promising to deliver the unique blend of chaos and ferocity that fans have eagerly anticipated.