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.

Outlines

00:00

🎬 The Creative Genesis of a Superhero Duo

The first paragraph discusses the creative process behind a film featuring the iconic pairing of Deadpool and Wolverine. The story recounts the moment when Ryan Reynolds, while on vacation, had a sudden inspiration for the movie during a drive to the beach. He immediately called Ryan to confirm his commitment. The paragraph also highlights the collaborative effort with Kevin Feige and Marvel to develop the story, emphasizing the importance of finding a compelling reason for the film to exist beyond just the novelty of the character pairing. The narrative focuses on the characters' arcs and how they grow through their shared adventure, with a particular emphasis on the selflessness of the actors and the care they took in developing every character in the movie.

05:01

📘 Reflections on a Legendary Role and Creative Input

In the second paragraph, the discussion centers on the deep connection the actors have with their characters, particularly Hugh Jackman's relationship with Wolverine, a role he has played for 25 years. The actors share their appreciation for the care and attention given to every character in the film, comparing the writing process to nurturing one's own children. The paragraph also touches on the creative input from Hugh Jackman, who sent a lengthy voice memo with his thoughts and ideas for the script, which significantly contributed to the film's development. The actors reflect on the process of crafting a narrative that is both emotionally grounded and comedic, aiming to create a great movie first and then infuse it with humor.

10:02

🏋️‍♂️ Commitment to the Role and the Evolution of Wolverine

The third paragraph delves into the physical and mental transformation required to play the superhero characters, especially for Hugh Jackman as he steps back into the role of Wolverine. The commitment to getting into the best shape of his life for the role is highlighted, as well as the desire to give everything to the character. The paragraph also discusses the creative process of evolving Wolverine's character and the MCU as a whole, with the freedom to explore different aspects of the character that were previously unexplored. The suit design for Wolverine is also mentioned, with an appreciation for the engineering and design that goes into creating such an iconic costume.

15:03

🚀 The Impact of R-Rating and the Future of the Characters in the MCU

The final paragraph addresses the R-rating of the film and the considerations for its audience, suggesting that while the film is intended for mature audiences, it remains true to the character's nature. The conversation also includes the actors' thoughts on the possibility of appearing in future Avengers movies within the MCU, expressing openness to the idea. The paragraph concludes with reflections on the unique experience of watching a movie in a theater and the importance of creating a spectacle that draws people together, as well as the challenges and opportunities presented by the film's rating and content.

Keywords

💡Voice Memo

A voice memo is an audio recording typically made on a smartphone or other device. In the script, a 17-minute voice memo from Hugh is mentioned, which is unusual and sets the stage for a significant moment in the narrative. The length and format of the memo suggest a personal and informal communication that holds importance for the characters.

💡Script

The script refers to the written text of a play, movie, or show that outlines the dialogue and action. In this context, the script is central to the video's theme as it is being discussed and refined by the characters. Hugh's voice memo indicates his satisfaction with the script but also suggests a desire for more depth or development.

💡Wolverine

Wolverine is a popular Marvel Comics character known for his animal-like senses, enhanced physical capabilities, and a regenerative healing ability. In the script, Hugh is mentioned as stepping into the role of Wolverine, which is a significant part of the video's narrative as it explores the character's evolution and the actors' portrayal of him.

💡Deadpool

Deadpool is another Marvel Comics character, famous for his humor, regenerative healing, and breaking the fourth wall. The script discusses Deadpool's interactions with Wolverine, highlighting the unique dynamic between the two characters. Deadpool's character is a central focus, especially in terms of his relationship with Wolverine.

💡R-rated

R-rated refers to a movie rating that restricts children under 17 from viewing without an accompanying parent or adult guardian. The script mentions the R-rating of the movie, emphasizing its mature content and the creators' intention to stay true to the characters' essence, which includes crude humor and violence.

💡MCU

MCU stands for Marvel Cinematic Universe, which is a media franchise and shared universe of interconnected superhero films. The script discusses the characters' inclusion in the MCU, indicating a broader context for the movie and its potential for crossovers and connections with other Marvel properties.

💡Narrative

Narrative refers to the story or plot of a movie or book. In the script, the focus is on crafting a narrative that feels emotional and real, which is crucial for engaging the audience. The narrative is discussed in relation to how it will develop the characters and their interactions.

💡Character Arc

A character arc is the development or transformation of a character over the course of a story. The script emphasizes the need to satisfyingly tell both characters' arcs, indicating that the movie will explore the growth and changes of Deadpool and Wolverine as they interact.

💡Pansexuality

Pansexuality is the sexual attraction towards people regardless of their gender identity. The script humorously addresses the question of sexual chemistry between Deadpool and Wolverine, highlighting Deadpool's pansexual nature and the playful dynamic between the characters.

💡Spectacle

Spectacle in the context of movies refers to visually impressive or grand elements that attract audiences. The script mentions the importance of a heightened spectacle element to draw people into theaters, reflecting on the current trends in the film industry and the need for movies to offer a unique, immersive experience.

💡Connection

Connection in this context refers to the emotional or social bond between individuals. The script discusses the craving for connection in 2024, suggesting that the movie's themes and characters resonate with audiences seeking real-world, tactile experiences and shared moments.

Highlights

Hugh sent a 17-minute voice memo to the team, sparking a pivotal discussion about the script.

Ryan and Hugh were working out together when they received the voice memo, leading to an impromptu gym listening session.

The story for the movie came together quickly after Hugh joined, solidifying the direction within a day.

The idea for the movie struck the director while driving to the beach on August 14th, leading to an immediate commitment to the project.

The team aimed to create a compelling reason for the movie to exist after the success of 'Logan'.

The 'why' of the movie was the pairing of Deadpool and Wolverine, offering a fresh dynamic.

The writing process focused on servicing both characters and acknowledging their long legacy.

The first 'Deadpool' movie hinted at the character's wish to team up with Wolverine.

The team had a Zoom meeting with Feige where they discussed the new direction involving Wolverine.

The challenge was to tell both characters' arcs satisfyingly, ensuring each had their own growth.

Both actors were selfless, caring deeply for every character in the movie.

Hugh's voice memo contained initial thoughts and ideas that significantly influenced the movie's writing.

Hugh's physical transformation into Wolverine was remarkable, adding depth to the character.

The suit for Wolverine was a crucial element, designed with great care and engineering.

The movie's R-rating is integral to the character of Deadpool, reflecting his crass nature.

The team was cautious about the appropriate age for viewers, suggesting it might not be suitable for very young children.

Being part of the MCU allowed for unrestricted access to characters and mythology, enriching the movie.

The movie's tone is unique, injecting a different flavor into the genre.

The team values the communal experience of watching movies in theaters, recognizing its irreplaceable magic.

Transcripts

- Hugh also unlocked the biggest thing in the,

I remember he sent us a 10-minute voice memo.

- It was more like

17 minutes. - Yeah,

which is a terrifying thing to get from anyone.

You're like, "17 minutes?"

- The story gets weirder, right?

- It was 16, yeah- - 'Cause Ryan and I

were working out together,

which already is just like a really shaky premise

to any anecdote.

Like, what am I doing in that gym?

And we get this text and it's like a voice memo

and you click on it and we see it's like 17 minutes.

We're like, "The guy couldn't just call?

He couldn't type?"

So, we're literally like spotting each other, listening.

We connected Hugh's voice memo

to the Bluetooth speakers

in the gym. (Hugh speaks indistinctly)

And it was Hugh scratching at,

"I'm happy with the script, but is there more?"

(upbeat music)

(dramatic music)

(Deadpool groans)

- Don't just stand there, you ape.

Give me a hand up.

(metallic claws screech)

Nope, I'm actually okay.

- We had been trying to craft a story for several months

and we had some interesting approaches.

We had some seeds of an ideas.

We were in conversations with Kevin Feige and Marvel,

but it never quite gelled.

But literally within a day of Hugh joining this story,

my recollection is we knew, we knew what the movie was.

- Just came to me like that.

Really one day driving down,

it was August 14th, I want to say,

driving down to the beach and it was a summer

and I was on a vacation,

and on my way there, my mind was just drifting

and it just came to me, "I really want to do this."

And I knew it 100%

and I couldn't wait to stop the car.

Literally stopped the car, got out, and called Ryan

and I said, "I wanna do this."

He said, "Are you serious?"

I said, "I'm serious."

And I hung up the phone.

I thought, "I should probably call my agent."

But basically I'd just said yes.

And I said to both of these guys,

I said, "We really want to do this,

we've gotta make a really good reason for it to exist."

After "Logan," you know, I was really happy with "Logan."

I felt we'd sort of landed the plane really well.

And so we have to find a way

to make this exist in its own right.

- And that was the why.

The why is the duo.

That "Deadpool 1," "Deadpool 2," are fantastic movies,

Hugh's been in incredible Wolverine movies,

but this pairing, that's new and that's a why.

And so the writing of the story

and the making of the movie

really became kind of an exploration

of, well, what does this become

when these icons and these men, these characters,

are thrust together?

- And how do we service both of them?

- Yes.

- And also kind of acknowledge this like long legacy

of wish fulfillment,

which is, for me personally, part of that wish fulfillment

is that I was desperate

to do this the right way with him at some point,

but the signs are all there.

I mean, it's all "Deadpool 1," opened,

the first line of the movie is me talking about him.

The last most emotional part of the film at the end

is me taking my mask off

and I've stapled Hugh's fucking face to mine

because I'm so embarrassed about how I look under the mask,

revealing to the love of my life, this girl Vanessa.

And then, you know, in the second movie as well,

we open with the you,

I had them make a music box of Hugh

with the tree thing stabbed through his heart

and as he goes around,

and I still have the music box.

It's one of my favorite things I own.

And just acknowledging all that stuff,

you know, the landscape of how many different references

there've been to this wish that Deadpool's had,

but also that I've had,

is to ride with my best buddy and make this,

you know, 'cause in some ways,

it's a love story between these guys.

- That call was a Monday.

We had a Zoom meeting on Wednesday

that was scheduled with Feige

and Ryan and I, we had acknowledged to each other

over that weekend, "You know what?

Maybe it's not gonna happen right now.

We're not coming up with the story

that feels inarguably worth making."

Hugh called on a Monday, Ryan called me,

we get on that Zoom with Feige on that Wednesday,

and he's like, "Guys, look,

I get maybe we're not quite cracking it,"

and we were able to say, "Actually, new wrinkle."

- Yeah.

- "What would you say to the Wolverine?"

And from then on, it was off to the races.

The real challenge for us in the writing process

and through making it was this is both of their movies

and we need to satisfyingly tell

both of these characters' arcs

and how they grow

because of this adventure they went on together.

- I wanna say something,

because the selflessness of both of them

is so evident in the movie.

These are two heavyweight actors, yeah, but,

I mean, characters,

but these guys as writers, producers,

have taken care of not just Wolverine,

but every single character as if it's their own children.

And that's how I felt.

I was like, "I've never felt such care

for a character I've played for 25 years and known for 25,

I've never felt such care."

And some of the scenes and the dialogue,

I was like, "This is such a gift."

But it was not, I witnessed it not just with me,

with every single character that appears in this movie.

It's as if you're writing for your own children.

That's how it felt to me.

And I wanna make this distinction

because the three of us are sitting here

and these guys produced and wrote this movie,

bled till there was no blood left.

And by the way, still, as soon as we finish this,

probably going to work on it some more.

- Yeah, yeah.

- So, in terms of the movie teaching,

the process of the movie teaching them how to move,

but the edit to the mix to every part of it,

and I publicly just wanna say how grateful I am.

- Well, he also just,

I know, we won't belabor the creative part of it too long,

but Hugh also unlocked the biggest thing in the,

I remember he sent us a 10-minute voice memo.

- It was more like

17 minutes. - Yeah,

which is a terrifying thing to get from anyone.

You're like, "17 minutes?"

- The story gets weirder, right?

- It was 16, yeah- - 'Cause Ryan and I

were working out together,

which already is just like a really shaky premise

to any anecdote.

Like, what am I doing in that gym?

But this is true.

And we get this text on our chain

that is this endless kind of three-person text chain,

and it's like a voice memo

and you click on it and we see it's like 17 minutes.

We're like, "The guy couldn't just call?

He couldn't type?"

So, we're literally like spotting each other, listening.

We connected Hugh's voice memo

to the Bluetooth speakers

in the gym. (Hugh speaks indistinctly)

And it was Hugh scratching at,

"I'm happy with the script, but is there more?"

- But also taking all this experience he has,

not just playing Wolverine, but as an actor,

as a guy who's fronted movies

in every genre you can think of.

And whenever you write a movie like this,

I think the important thing is to not write a comedy,

is to write a great movie

and then work on the comedy afterwards.

So, we were really just trying to structure a narrative

that felt emotional and anchored and real.

And he was scratching at something

that was at first a little opaque

and then suddenly came into view

and then it triggered- - And like minute 12,

minute 13, minute 14. - Triggered epiphany

after epiphany after epiphany.

So, he really, so, you do have a huge hand

in writing the movie as well because of that.

I think it unlocked

this incredible, yeah. - Yeah, thanks, man.

- One of my favorite parts of the film

and your character in the film

is from that voice memo.

- At some point I say, "I am repeating myself

and I'm going around." - I think at one point

you said, "If you guys are still listening

to this." - That's right.

And it was inarticulate. It was embarrassing.

- Oh, it was great. - But some,

I learned this from my acting teacher.

When you first read a play or a script,

write down everything you think

'cause you never have those eyes again.

- Mm-hm.

- And so I read the script

and I just immediately did a voice note,

and I didn't call because I wanted it

just to be my (mimics retching) without any questions.

And literally 16 minutes of it is crap.

But there's probably a minute in there that ends up,

because you're just going,

"Ah, and there's something in this.

I don't even know what,

hang on, Liv, I'm just going to the bathroom.

Hang on one sec."

And (mimics toilet flushing) anyway,

but one- - He had flow too, real loud.

- Yeah, no, healthy flow. - It was robust.

Vibrant. - Robust flow.

- Hi, peanut.

I'm gonna need you to come with me right now.

- Look, lady, I'm not interested.

- With Hugh stepping into the role of Wolverine,

you know how like when you watch somebody

the first time they step into something that is that iconic,

it's just like they just knew a language

or understood something about that character

that nobody else would've thought of or felt?

Johnny Depp in "Pirates of the Caribbean,"

that first one where you're like, "Is he drunk?"

- Right, what am I seeing? - "Is this a Disney movie?

Is the lead character, like, hammered with gold teeth?"

You know, you just go, "No, you can't."

But you realize that that person has got their finger

on something that is sort of perfect

in its own imperfection

and I love that.

But I notice you see that with you.

Eddie Murphy in "The Nutty Professor" movies.

Again, you'd be like,

on paper, you'd go, "Well, that's,

I don't know if that's gonna work.

That's very risky." - But sometimes

what it's waiting for is a character

is waiting for the actor who's meant to play them.

And I will say as the director on this,

when you're on set every day

and you're watching not only two great actors,

but in the roles that they are somehow magic in,

where it's tapping into parts of Ryan, parts of you,

that are so intuitive and so singular and unique to them,

that's why it's such a treat for us as an audience.

And to get both these guys onscreen together

is the biggest treat I can imagine.

- [Interviewer] How does life change for you

when it's time to play Wolverine?

- Part of me likes it. I'm super lucky.

I'm 55 and my job's saying,

"We need you to get in the best shape of your life."

Like, I wouldn't do that if I didn't have the job to do it.

And also, there's no part of my DNA that's gonna do 95%.

I don't want to do a job that I feel I can do 95%.

I just want to give everything.

And coming back and working with two people

who are giving 3,000%

and giving me this runway for this character that,

you said something really good,

not only different in time,

but also those parts of Wolverine that I've scratched at

and never fully been able to unleash.

- I know people make too much of this in movies anyway,

it places some weird expectation for a lot of actors,

but that was remarkable.

I mean, you started looking like Tommy Tune

and you packed on- - That's true.

- An entire other Hugh. - Hugh.

- Like, it was just like one of the,

I mean, we had a year or so,

but, I mean, it was still unreal.

That was one of the most unreal things I've ever seen.

It's twofold.

For me, it's not so much about the aesthetic thing,

but I have to fill out the suit, you know,

and you want to feel like you're,

I think you want people to see

that you're putting in the work.

And for me it's just a head space.

It's like the discipline of having to do that.

Even if I don't have to, I want to.

It just makes me feel like I earned it.

You know, I have an intense relationship with Deadpool.

I have always had an intense relationship with Deadpool.

So, you know, one of the things Shawn and I talked about

when we were on the set of "The Adam Project,"

when I was like, "Will you please direct this movie,"

is that it's hard.

You know, it's like once you feel like you have it perfect,

you have to make it 20 or 30% better.

And that's a weird thing to,

it's a weird way to think during a creative process,

and it really helps.

I mean, it doesn't actually literally have to be 20%,

but it helps you think that way

and stay hungry for improvement.

And I love it.

So, it's like, yeah, it's a,

yeah, it's gonna be a tough transition to not be doing this

at some point. - It's like the,

it's like the infatuation of a love affair.

It can ruin your life and it can drain all of you.

But it also makes you feel fully alive.

And that is how it feels now

as we keep delaying the locking of picture.

Tomorrow, tomorrow, tomorrow.

Well, what if we try this? What if we try this?

And it's because it's the great love

I don't wanna let go of.

Like, I never want to not be making this movie.

- My middle daughter said,

"Daddy, when can you stop Deadpooling?"

Soon, baby. I promise.

Daddy's gonna do nothing for a year after this.

- You do have to stop wearing that mask in the house.

It's weird. - Yes, that's just

getting weird. - There's therapy

coming down the pipe. - Blake insists.

I don't know. I just do it.

I do what she says, you know.

- [Interviewer] Since Deadpool is famously pansexual,

is there sexual chemistry or tension

between Deadpool and Wolverine?

- I can't speak for Wolverine,

but I feel like Deadpool has a kind of sexual tension

with everything and everyone.

There's always a, you know- - Don't deny it's special.

Don't deny the specialness.

There is- - You're right.

I feel it right now.

My God, like two magnets facing the wrong direction.

(Hugh laughs)

Yeah, no, he's kind of hypersexual really as well.

- But with Wolverine, I would say this,

it's more that Wade and Deadpool,

he's a fan of Logan's.

He's a fan of the Wolverine.

And so I'd say other than the fact

that they drive each other crazy,

or more to the point, he drives him crazy,

offscreen and on,

there's a reverence, there's a fanboy love.

♪ Life is a mystery ♪

- I don't know anything about saving worlds.

♪ Everyone must stand alone ♪ - But you do.

- I think we barely talked about the suit

in the early development

because it was just a no-brainer.

You don't do this character now unless he's in a suit.

I mean, it was just like an obvious,

but then making the suit,

these guys that make these suits,

which Russ Shinkle at Film Illusions,

I mean, it's engineering.

It is a level of design that is taken for granted, frankly,

once it's actually done and made.

I mean, it's just a work of art.

- It is.

When we first started this in 1999,

there was like, "Oh, we can't have technicolor.

We can't have all those,

that's not gonna work."

And so everyone was in black leather basically.

And some part of my brain

I think was a little institutionalized

that, oh, that's the way it is.

And then gradually watching the Marvel movies,

I'm like, "Ah, yeah, this actually looks really cool.

That looks great."

And as soon as I put it on,

I can't believe I never had it on before.

It felt right. It looked right.

It was incredible.

The design of it is incredible,

and I loved it.

- [Interviewer] For a lot of Marvel fans,

this might be their first R-rated movie.

How young is too young to see this movie?

- It's obviously R-rated

and I don't wanna get in trouble by encouraging-

- I do.

- Okay, how do you feel?

- So many kids,

so many kids have seen both "Deadpool 1" and "Deadpool 2,"

and, you know, I would say that this one uses

all the sort of most essential aspects of those movies.

But it's never rated R just to be rated R.

I mean, a lot of it is just that's the character.

The character's very crass.

He's like, god, his brain is like a half-eaten omelet

if a half-eaten omelet

was like inside the skull of a seven-year-old

half the time. - Exactly.

- I mean, it's a very particular thing.

But he's a kind of shaggy dog character.

My own kids have seen it.

I mean they're, you know. - And mine.

- Yeah, and they came damaged, so, yeah.

- I'm gonna be responsible here.

Don't bring a two-year-old.

I think a two-year-old-

- Nope, we don't bring- - Okay, fine.

- A two-year-old. - We draw the line

at three. - Just the sound level

is really high.

I would limit it. - Yeah, yeah.

- Thank you, Hugh. - Yeah, no problem.

- Don't bring a 114-year-old

'cause that person will not be alive.

- Just on both edges of life, not appropriate.

But everything in the middle.

- Anyone in a diaper. Yeah.

- [Interviewer] Now that you are all

officially part of the MCU,

would you be open to appearing in Avengers movies?

- Oh, I don't know.

Yeah, it's...

Yeah, we'll see.

(Hugh whistling)

Yeah, what he said.

- You can just, now is where you go

to the descriptive part of the article

and you say, "Shuffling in seats

and stammered." - Shuffling uncomfortable.

- Nothing (indistinct). - Yes.

Clearly first major interview of this press tour.

I'm not sure how to answer.

- We're gonna give a far more pat and evasive answer

for all future interviews.

- An echoing cough in the distance. A hawk circles.

You can throw that in there if you like.

- [Deadpool] This is what I'm talking about.

♪ Just like a dream ♪

- [Deadpool] Big slow-motion action sequence.

♪ Just like a prayer ♪

♪ No choice ♪

- [Deadpool Who knows if you live or die?

- When we lock this movie, it won't be a triumph.

It'll be depressing.

I mean, we'll miss it so desperately.

So, I've been grateful to Kevin, Lou,

Wendy Jacobson, who's our creative exec of the movie.

And I know Shawn has as well.

They've just been, they've been amazing partners.

They allowed us to kind of evolve not just Deadpool,

but evolve Wolverine and I think-

- And in some ways, the MCU. - And, yeah,

the genre as well. - Because this is just

an injection of tone.

Forget the rating, but the tone of this movie

is very much its own weird beast.

- Yeah, and I don't wanna do Deadpool

from "Deadpool 2" or "Deadpool 1,"

I wanna do the one that's more reflective

of this moment now.

And so does Hugh.

And this movie specifically gave us

a really great opportunity to do something

that departs a bit from Wolverine, the Wolverine we know,

but still allows us

to give many of those aspects of this character

and his haunted nature.

It's a lot of light as well.

So, it kind of does, ticks two boxes.

- I would say if we had the luxury of anything,

it was because it's an MCU movie,

the access to certain characters and certain mythology

was pretty unrestricted

and that lent for some really juicy moments

and storylines in the movie.

- And a lot of nagging.

You know, with Marvel, I've sort of noticed a pattern,

which is like, "Can we maybe have this thing

that we would love to see?"

And they're like, "Oh, no, absolutely not.

That's just not even possible.

From a legal perspective, that's not even possible."

Okay.

Nearly a week goes by and we're like,

"Hey, can we have that thing we mentioned last week?"

They're like, "Well, we'll take a look. We'll see."

And then a week later,

it's like, "We really need that thing,"

and they're like, "Okay, fine, have it.

You know, we'll deal with it

later." - Yeah, this did happen

at least a half dozen times on certain things

that are pretty now central to the movie.

- Some sacred cows. - Yeah.

- In 2024, people are craving connection

and real-world tactile experiences.

And you sort of see it all around.

I mean, even last year, you had these, Barbenheimer,

these huge event movies,

that people really felt compelled to experience.

- Together.

- Yeah, together.

And I don't know, I mean, I watched a movie last night

in a movie theater

and laughing and crying

and with folks from all over the place.

It was just a, it's a magical experience

unlike anything else.

So, yeah, there are just things you feel in a movie theater

that you would never feel elsewhere.

I think you have to kind of have a movie

that has a slightly heightened spectacle element

that seems to draw people in,

required to draw people in these days more so

than, you know, those mid-budget films

that packed them in in the early aughts before.

But I think that'll never go away.

That exhibition feeling is important.

(upbeat music)