Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman & Director Shawn Levy on Convincing Marvel to Make Deadpool & Wolverine

Summary

In an engaging conversation, the creators and stars of a new movie discuss the creative process, including a memorable 17-minute voice memo from Hugh Jackman. They delve into the challenges of crafting a story that honors both Deadpool and Wolverine, the importance of character development, and the excitement of bringing these iconic characters to life together.

Takeaways

• 🎬 The script discusses the creative process and collaboration involved in making a movie featuring Deadpool and Wolverine, highlighting the importance of the characters' dynamic and the actors' commitment.
• 📱 A significant moment in the movie's development was triggered by a 17-minute voice memo from Hugh Jackman, which provided crucial insights and ideas for the film's direction.
• 💡 The concept for the movie came to Ryan Reynolds while on vacation, and he immediately shared it with his team, demonstrating the spontaneous nature of creative inspiration.
• 🎭 The film aims to service both Deadpool and Wolverine as characters, ensuring that their arcs are satisfying and that their joint adventure feels organic and impactful.
• 🤝 There is a strong emphasis on the camaraderie and mutual respect between the actors, writers, and producers involved, which contributed to the movie's quality.
• 🏋️‍♂️ Hugh Jackman talks about the physical transformation required for his role as Wolverine, emphasizing the discipline and commitment necessary to embody the character.
• 🎨 The interview touches on the design of Wolverine's suit and how it has evolved over time, reflecting the character's iconic status and the evolution of superhero costume design.
• 🚀 The movie is described as an 'injection of tone' into the genre, suggesting that it brings a unique flavor to the superhero film landscape, possibly influencing the broader cinematic universe.
• 🔞 The film is R-rated, and the creators discuss the balance between maintaining the character's crass humor and ensuring the film is appropriate for its intended audience.
• 🎉 There is a sense of excitement about the film's potential to bring people together in theaters for a shared, immersive experience, especially in a time when such experiences are highly valued.
• 🔍 The script also hints at the challenges and negotiations with the studio, particularly Marvel, in terms of character inclusions and the film's place within the larger Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Q & A

What was the initial reaction to receiving a 17-minute voice memo from Hugh?

The initial reaction was one of surprise and slight trepidation, as a 17-minute voice memo is quite long and unexpected. The recipients questioned why a call or text couldn't be used instead.

How did the voice memo impact the development of the script?

The voice memo from Hugh had a significant impact, as it triggered a series of epiphanies that helped shape the narrative. It contributed to the writers' understanding of the characters and the direction they wanted to take the story.

What was the turning point in the scriptwriting process?

The turning point was when Hugh joined the project and suggested the inclusion of Wolverine, which led to a new direction for the story and a clear vision of what the movie would be.

How did the collaboration between the actors and writers enhance the movie?

The collaboration was crucial, as both actors provided valuable input not just as performers but also as writers and producers, ensuring that every character was well-developed and cared for, as if they were their own creations.

What was the significance of the 'why' in making the movie?

The 'why' was significant because it provided the motivation for creating the movie. It was about exploring the dynamic between Deadpool and Wolverine and offering a fresh take on these iconic characters together.

How did the creators ensure that the movie was more than just a comedy?

The creators focused on structuring a narrative that felt emotional, anchored, and real before working on the comedic elements. They aimed to make a great movie first and then enhance it with humor.

What was the process like for Hugh in preparing for the role of Wolverine?

Hugh had to get into the best shape of his life for the role, which involved intense physical training and discipline. He also had to mentally prepare himself to fully embody the character.

How did the R-rating of the movie influence its content?

The R-rating allowed the creators to stay true to the character of Deadpool, who is inherently crass and irreverent. It enabled them to explore the character's unique personality without restrictions.

What was the reaction to the idea of Deadpool and Wolverine being in the same movie?

The idea was met with excitement and anticipation, as it was seen as a fresh and unique pairing that would bring a new dynamic to both characters and their respective legacies.

How did the creators approach the balance between honoring the characters' histories and introducing new elements?

They acknowledged the long legacy of both characters and incorporated references to their pasts while also exploring new aspects of their personalities and relationships to create a unique story.

What was the atmosphere like during the production of the movie?

The atmosphere was intense and passionate, with the creators continually striving for improvement and perfection. There was a sense of love and dedication to the project that kept them engaged and eager to make the movie the best it could be.