Deadpool & Wolverine became a huge summer hit, just as many expected. Marvel Studios hoped for its success, and it well surpassed the $1 billion mark at the box office. This achievement makes it the 5th highest-grossing film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) ever.
Critics had mixed feelings about the film, but fans left the theaters very happy. Because of this success, it seems clear that a Deadpool 4 should be part of the Disney and Marvel plans. However, the situation may not be as straightforward as it appears.
What Does Ryan Reynolds Say About ‘Deadpool 4’?
Ryan Reynolds, who plays Deadpool, does not seem too excited about a Deadpool 4. While promoting Deadpool & Wolverine, he spoke with Jimmy Fallon.
When Fallon asked him about a sequel, Reynolds jokingly replied, “Oh god no. My wife and children will divorce me.
Jimmy, I have no prenup with any of them. I will be capital “B” broke, and in turn, probably then doing Deadpool 4 cause I’ll need the money.”
The audience laughed at his comment, and it seemed like he gave a clear answer about not wanting to do a fourth film.
Why ‘Deadpool 4’ Might Still Happen
However, the future of Deadpool is not that simple. Likely, Reynolds was just joking, and his humorous remarks about his family could mean he was having fun on the talk show.
Furthermore, Deadpool & Wolverine ended with the main characters in a perfect spot for future stories. The ending allowed for a great farewell moment, but the decision to keep the characters means the actors might return in the future.
Deadpool has a unique quality. He does not have to fit perfectly with the ongoing events in the MCU, especially now that he is familiar with the Time Variance Authority (TVA).
This means that adding Deadpool 4 would not cause the problems that other MCU films face when they need to fit into a specific order in the franchise.
Does The MCU Need ‘Deadpool 4’?
The main reason we might see Deadpool 4 is due to the success of Deadpool & Wolverine and the current situation of the MCU.
The MCU has been struggling both financially and in terms of quality recently. Deadpool & Wolverine gave the brand a needed boost, bringing stability and success.
Recent films like Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania and The Marvels did not do well, and interest in some Disney+ shows has decreased.
The good news from Deadpool & Wolverine was likely very welcome and might encourage the studio to want more films like it.
Additionally, the MCU has faced challenges in finding a strong leader for the franchise after Endgame.
Characters like Spider-Man (Tom Holland), Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch), Captain Marvel (Brie Larson), and Thor (Chris Hemsworth) are all popular but have not taken a clear top spot like Robert Downey Jr.’s Iron Man. Deadpool might be able to fill this role as the face of the MCU.
Given the money Deadpool made and the positive fan reaction to his introduction into the MCU, it would be surprising if Deadpool did not return in some form in future MCU films.
This could include a fourth standalone Deadpool adventure, no matter what Ryan Reynolds’ family might think about it.
Deadpool & Wolverine has set high expectations for future projects within the MCU. Despite Ryan Reynolds’ humorous remarks about not wanting to make a fourth film, the film’s success and the demand from fans suggest that Deadpool will likely return.
As the MCU seeks a strong lead character, Deadpool’s unique charm and popularity make him a perfect candidate to help guide the franchise into its next phase.