Summary:
- Director Shawn Levy is open to a sequel for “Deadpool & Wolverine,” though no confirmation exists yet.
- Levy describes the production as challenging yet creatively fulfilling due to Deadpool’s “no rules” nature.
- The film aims to inject fresh energy into the superhero genre, with high box office expectations for its July 26, 2024 release.
With the highly-anticipated Deadpool & Wolverine landing in theaters just weeks away, director Shawn Levy is already fielding questions about a potential sequel.
While there’s no confirmation yet, Levy has expressed openness to the idea. In a recent interview with Deadline, he acknowledged the question and admitted the film’s production has been a demanding yet creatively fulfilling experience. He highlighted the unique freedom associated with Deadpool’s character, where there are “no rules.”
“Usually, I have to lie. I’m waiting for the questions when I have to lie and pretend I don’t know the answer, but this one I can sincerely say I don’t know,” Levy told Deadline asked about a follow-up film. “But I can, in the same breath, say, ‘Man, this thing has been the hardest, most all-consuming thing I’ve ever done.’ But it’s also been the most creatively gratifying because with Deadpool, there [are] no rules. It is, in its very DNA, built on tonal audacity.”
Levy spoke fondly of the collaborative process, working with his close friends Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman. He emphasized the fun and camaraderie on set, where making bold choices and even failing are encouraged, especially for a comedic film.
“For a filmmaker, what a delight,” he continued. “And to do it with my best friend Ryan, my other buddy Hugh, the three of us who have known each other now for a very long time, it was just a blast because if you work with friends, you don’t mind making an ass of yourself. And if you’re working on something that’s comedic, you better be willing to fall on your face.”
Levy acknowledges the pressure surrounding Deadpool & Wolverine, coming after a lackluster year for the MCU in 2023. He expresses his hope that the film will inject fresh energy into the superhero genre, surprising audiences and breaking new ground.
“We had no idea it would be this unique moment where people are asking what the MCU means anymore,” he said. “Can it surprise us? Can it break molds in ways that we don’t expect? We certainly hope that this movie is an answer to those questions.
Current projections estimate a strong opening weekend for Deadpool & Wolverine, with a domestic gross between $200 million and $239 million. This would secure the film a spot among the top five domestic opening weekends ever.
While plot details remain under wraps, trailers hint at a universe-saving mission for Deadpool, alongside a variant Wolverine played by Hugh Jackman. Levy assures audiences that prior MCU knowledge isn’t necessary to enjoy Deadpool & Wolverine.
Deadpool & Wolverine arrives in theaters worldwide on July 26, 2024.