echo *DISCLAIMER: THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS SPOILERS OF THE FILM DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE
When two of Marvel’s infamous anti-heroes team up, chaos is inevitable (but so is an entertaining time!). Deadpool (Wade Wilson) and Wolverine (Logan Howlett) are no strangers to fans, often known for their skills and morally unique approaches to saving the world. Marvel Studios has decided to create a third instalment in the Deadpool franchise, featuring Wolverine as one of the two protagonists. Deadpool, with his humour and tendency to break the fourth wall, paired alongside Wolverine, with his brooding intensity and signature claws, creates a perfect film filled with action, intensity, laughs and more. This unique duo has a certain chemistry that defies the stereotypical and overdone superhero team-ups, bringing something fresh and unpredictable to the table (and their impeccable abs too).
Deadpool & Wolverine is a film done right, and clearly, the fans think so too! It became the highest-grossing R-rated movie of all time, surpassing Joker (2019) with over $1.07 billion globally. It also broke the record for the biggest R-rated opening weekend, grossing $443.1 million worldwide. With this in mind, we can’t help but ponder, ‘What truly makes Deadpool & Wolverine unique?’ Well, we at Echo, have got you covered, as we venture into the elements that set this film apart from other superhero flicks!
NICEPOOL: A SURPRISINGLY HEARTFELT TURN
One of the new (and unfortunately short-lived) additions to the Marvel Universe is none other than a Deadpool variant humorously dubbed “Nicepool” by fans. Now you may be wondering, “What’s so different about Nicepool compared to our usual Deadpool?” Well, unlike the original, Nicepool exhibits empathy and emotional vulnerability—traits rarely associated with our typically irreverent Deadpool. What truly sets Nicepool apart from his variants is his appearance—he’s the only Deadpool who doesn’t wear a mask, instead showing off his distinctive half-up locks. Nicepool added a change of pace to the film, as his character is open, genuine and true to his identity. Portrayed by Ryan Reynolds, Nicepool attempts to help Deadpool and Wolverine in any way he can; he even lends them his Honda Odyssey!
Souce: Disney
Unfortunately for Nicepool, his genuine efforts did not pay off in the end. Despite his heartfelt attempts to assist both Deadpool and Wolverine, he faced a tragic fate when Deadpool used him as a shield against an incoming army of Deadpool variants. Unlike other Deadpools, Nicepool lacked the ability to regenerate, making this sacrifice his final act. However, even in his last moments, he maintained his positive outlook, embodying a sense of trust and naivety that made him stand out. His unwavering optimism, even in the face of death, added to his endearing, albeit short-lived, impact on fans, and he is undoubtedly one of the audience’s favourite Deadpools.
X-MEN AND THE MCU: EASTER EGGS AND CAMEOS
Admittedly, the very concept of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is a complicated one. It may be difficult to keep up with its content at times, but die-hard fans know how impactful Deadpool & Wolverine is solely through its abundance of cameos and Easter eggs. The film is packed with references to both the X-Men universe and the broader MCU, creating a treasure trove of moments for the fans. From surprise appearances by iconic X-Men characters from the comics and movies to subtle nods to past MCU events, Deadpool & Wolverine bridges both worlds in a way that feels smooth and effortless, celebrating the rich history and impacts of these beloved franchises, all while shining its spotlight on newer audiences. Fun fact: Deadpool & Wolverine is the first from the Deadpool series to have officially joined the MCU!
Fans will relish seeing characters from different timelines and universes collide, often with humorous references that only the Deadpool films can deliver (as he breaks the fourth wall more often than not). These moments not only add to the film’s entertaining nature but also contribute to a larger narrative, setting the groundwork for future films, and reminding us of how interconnected the Marvel universe is.
THE FINAL SHOWDOWN: SAVING THE MULTIVERSE
‘In the midnight hour, I can feel your power’. Let’s talk about that final fight scene! I’m almost 100% certain that you’ve come across a choir rendition of ‘Like A Prayer’ by Madonna on social media, often paired with edits of celebrities, characters or movies (The ones I’ve seen are usually to Tony Stark, Formula 1 or How To Train Your Dragon). In a seemingly selfless act, they prevent the Time Ripper from destroying the multiverse, and Like A Prayer adds an emotional weight to their sacrifice, making the scene undoubtedly unforgettable. The very depth of the scene shines a light on how their newfound friendship and sacrifices saved the multiverse from Cassandra Nova, and even themselves! This scene showcases the power of a song, paired with genius cinematography and symbolism can truly impact an audience.
As Deadpool said himself, “You were right, one of us would’ve been killed. But you put a Deadpool AND a Wolverine together, make them hold hands while listening to Madonna? Indestructible.”
OH IT’S HUGH (JACK)MAN ALRIGHT!
Let’s face it. That final scene has one more thing that caught our attention. When Deadpool and Wolverine held hands in the scene, the force from the Time Ripper ripped apart Logan’s clothes. While admittedly, it doesn’t make sense on a physics scale, boy, did it make a point.
Hugh Jackman’s return as Wolverine (Logan) in Deadpool & Wolverine has fans buzzing since the announcement was made back in September 2022, but one aspect that gained countless responses online is his impressive physique. At 56, Jackman managed to regain his iconic (and absolutelysculpted) Wolverine abs, showcasing his intense physical appearance and training for the role. Fans, trainers and fitness enthusiasts alike are inspired by his dedication and devotion, especially given the demanding and difficult action sequences in the script. His ripped and built physique not only complements Wolverine’s ferocious character but also serves as proof of Jackman’s commitment to embodying his return as the anti-hero once again.
DOGPOOL: THE CUTEST SIDEKICK
Meet Dogpool, aka “Mary Puppins,” Deadpool’s most unexpected (and most adorable) partner in crime. For those unfamiliar, Dogpool is exactly what you’d expect: Deadpool, but in canine form. Complete with a little red suit and a relentless penchant for mischief, this four-legged furball proves to be an absolute scene-stealer. It’s like if Deadpool had fur, less impulse control (if that’s even possible), and love for chewing through, well, literally everything – including timelines.
The madness kicks off when she dashes up to Deadpool as “Lady in Red” plays in the background, and she’s in full hero-dog mode, tongue out, sprinting straight for her owner. Deadpool is instantly smitten, scooping her up in a hilariously heartwarming reunion, and Mary Puppins goes to town, licking his face like they’ve been apart for years. Nicepool eventually catches up, frustrated over her runaway antics, but Deadpool’s not having it. He declares that if Nicepool can’t handle her, he’ll gladly step in as her new dad, getting a little (too) possessive over his “little unicorn.” Classic Deadpool, am I right?
Before Nicepool carries Mary Puppins away, Deadpool says in a menacingly sweet tone that if Nicepool ever needs to, you know, “give her up,” he’ll be there to step in—an ominous promise that totally screams Deadpool. And you just know it’s setting up for something big down the line.
The big moment comes in the film’s climax: just as the chaos hits its peak, Mary Puppins runs through a portal with Eric Carmen‘s “Make Me Lose Control” blaring, right on cue for another epic Deadpool reunion. But Nicepool’s quick to spoil the moment, swooping in to grab her back, making it painfully clear that Deadpool’s dream of doggie adoption is short-lived. Things take a turn when the multiverse explodes into the scene, with hundreds of alternate Deadpools launching a showdown at the bidding of none other than Cassandra Nova. The gang—”Prime” Deadpool, Logan, Nicepool, and Mary Puppins—barely has time to hide. Then, in an “oops” moment (if Deadpool ever has those), Nicepool accidentally becomes a human shield, taking a few hits meant for Deadpool. Let’s be real, Nicepool didn’t go out a hero…he was kind of nudged into that role (to put it nicely).
With Nicepool gone, Deadpool finally claims Mary Puppins as his own, pocketing Nicepool’s flashy gold-plated Desert Eagles in “honour” of the guy, naturally. Then, with Logan, Mary Puppins, and all the chaotic Deadpool glory, they dive into a classic battle sequence full of comedic, gratuitous carnage. And it all ends in the best way possible: after the world’s saved, they’re relaxing with some shawarma, when Mary Puppins shows up again, looking like the true survivor that she is. Deadpool gives her a final, meaningful glance and says, “All is right in the world.” And just like that, Deadpool and Dogpool are officially a family. Proof that, yes, a dog truly is a man’s best friend.
BYE-BYE-BYE: THE DESECRATION OF THE SACRED CORPSE
The opening scene of Deadpool & Wolverine definitely lived up to the chaotic expectations, with Deadpool doing what he does best—being wild, unpredictable, and borderline ridiculous. It kicks off with Deadpool literally digging up Wolverine’s body. Why? Well, because he was convinced that Wolverine, with his legendary regenerative powers, wasn’t really dead. Turns out, he was very dead, and Deadpool, true to form, has a full-on conversation with the guy’s skeleton.
But the real party starts when the Time Variance Authority (TVA) agents crash the graveyard, and cue “Bye Bye Bye” by NSYNC. Just as the song hits, Deadpool launches into an all-out dance fight that’s both iconic and, let’s be real, meme-worthy (Why fight when you can dance?). Taking cover behind a log, he makes his entrance with an epic backflip, because nothing screams “I’m about to massacre TVA agents” quite like a killer dance routine. Absolutely hilarious and on point, with a very Deadpool-esque focus on his backside—because of course, who could beat Captain America’s butt? (Sorry, Deadpool, but Cap’s got you beat.)
And as if we weren’t getting enough splatter and destruction, the bloodbath unfolds, with agents dropping like flies, or more accurately, pancakes. The choreography? Already trending on TikTok. No surprises there—it’s exactly the kind of chaotic energy fans were dying to see.
The TVA agents keep pouring in (you’d think they’d learn at this point), but movie logic dictates an endless supply of baddies. Meanwhile, Deadpool, katanas spinning like he’s in a blender, handles it with the usual professional grace… well, Deadpool’s version of grace, which involves a lot of splattering. The highlight? Him putting on Wolverine’s claws in a weirdly comical tribute to his dead buddy, turning to the camera, and dropping a line about necrophilia and how violence really isn’t his thing (you know he doesn’t mean it). It’s a bizarre yet perfect punchline, because this is Deadpool, and nothing says “I love you” like using your dead friend’s claws to shred TVA agents.
If we were to talk about the song, this choice is genius. NSYNC’s “Bye Bye Bye” is the perfect song for a Deadpool moment, layering humour, nostalgia, and epic action in one go. As Deadpool chops through his enemies, the song adds a touch of lightheartedness to the chaos, making the mayhem feel like a wild, rogue dance party. Its catchy, nostalgic chorus whisks fans back to early 2000s pop culture—a perfect fit for Wade Wilson’s irreverent style. Lyrically, “Bye Bye Bye” touches on themes of letting go and moving on, adding an ironic undertone to Deadpool’s hilariously dysfunctional team-up journey with the Wolverine.
LIFE LESSONS AMIDST THE COMEDY AND CHAOS
Throughout the film, Wade Wilson smashes right through the fourth wall, bringing his zany antics and endless sarcasm directly to the audience. Yet, underneath the jokes, gore, and merciless jabs, this latest instalment carries surprisingly sweet messages, packed with a few pearls of wisdom that resonate if you’re paying attention.
Let’s start from the beginning. Deadpool’s determination to join the Avengers hints at his deeper need to feel like he belongs. He yearns to prove himself not only to others but to his longtime love, Vanessa and other people in his life. His interview with Happy Hogan to join the team is both painful and relatable, as Deadpool fumbles with mentions of his time with the X-Men, unable to articulate why he wants in so badly. Determined to make his mark, he wanted nothing more than to join the superhero elite. Happy subtly reminds him that Avengers don’t do this for self-validation but because people genuinely need them. This is a big moment for Wade—he realises he’s been chasing something to fill a personal void. By the film’s end, he grows into the understanding that he doesn’t need the Avengers or their validation to matter; he already belongs with his found family and with Vanessa. It’s a powerful evolution, moving from needing approval to accepting himself and the people around him.
Deadpool celebrates his birthday—a bittersweet moment, coming six years after a blunt rejection from the Avengers. As the birthday unfolds, Wade’s usual sarcastic exterior fades, replaced by genuine gratitude for those who’ve stuck by him. Surrounded by his unconventional family of misfits, Deadpool calls himself “the luckiest man alive” simply because he has them by his side. It’s rare to see Deadpool so genuinely heartfelt, and this scene is simply touching, showing how much he values his connections, even if he’d never admit it openly. In his funny yet vulnerable way, Deadpool reminds us all of the beauty in being surrounded by people who care about us.
One of the most profound moments in the film also comes when Deadpool and Wolverine find themselves in the in-between place called the Void. Deadpool passes on advice he once received from his blind roommate, Blind Al (Althea): “Pain teaches us who we are. Sometimes we need to listen to the pain, instead of running from it.” He encourages Logan to face his wounds rather than run from them. In his universe, he abandoned the X-Men, an act that led to their deaths at the hands of anti-mutant vigilantes. Ever since, Wolverine has been shackled by the guilt, which he symbolically wears through his X-Men suit. But Deadpool’s words resonate, helping Wolverine realise that he can’t keep hiding from his past mistakes. By accepting his pain, Wolverine becomes a little freer, ready to be the hero he was always meant to be.
Wade’s journey toward self-worth and acceptance is beautifully underscored by his love for Vanessa. During a flashback scene where Cassandra invades Wade’s mind, we see him struggling with a sense of worthlessness, haunted by his rejection from the Avengers. Despite their breakup, Vanessa’s unwavering belief in him remains, echoing through his memories. She tells him, “Your crazy matches my crazy,” capturing the essence of their connection—a love that knows no bounds and walks through pain together. Vanessa wanted Wade to care about something beyond himself, something that could anchor him even when he felt like he was drifting. Wade couldn’t see it; he couldn’t figure out how to break past his insecurities to become the man he wanted to be for her.
Throughout the film, Wade grapples with these doubts, wanting to feel like he matters, to belong, and to be truly loved. But his struggle is one of not knowing how to bridge that gap. Yet, as the story unfolds, he begins to piece together that self-worth doesn’t come from grand actions or acceptance by the Avengers but from realising that he’s already enough for those who love him. By the film’s end, Wade finds the answer he’s been searching for, realizing that to love deeply is to live fully—and that he already has everything he needs in the people around him.
The relentless clashes between Wolverine and Deadpool bring the chaotic energy fans crave. It’s a blend of blood, mangled limbs, and bones snapping back into place, all thanks to their regenerative powers that keep the stakes thrillingly high without threatening their survival (not that we’re tempting fate here!). But beyond the cinematic spectacle of two heroes endlessly brawling, their relationship is where the real story unfolds. At first, they’re entirely wrapped up in their own pain, insecurities, and maladaptive coping mechanisms. Each is struggling, battling not just each other but the darkness within themselves. Wolverine wrestles with the guilt of his past, and Deadpool, with his overwhelming need to feel he belongs. They clash because they see in each other what they’d rather not confront in themselves—grief, anger, regret. Yet, as the film progresses, we witness a transformation, a change. They start to see that their issues don’t just exist in isolation; they are actually woven together, and instead of a “not my problem” attitude, there’s a shift to “this is our problem.” From hurting each other to empathising, they grow from being rivals to allies, and by the end, the bickering and banter are less about hostility and more about camaraderie. Their journey subtly reminds us that sometimes the people we clash with most intensely can also be the ones who help us understand and face ourselves. Wolverine and Deadpool’s evolution from fighters to friends is a lesson in vulnerability, support, and healing, showing us that real growth often begins when we start looking beyond ourselves and recognize that some battles are better fought together.
Beautifully, during his closing monologue, Deadpool speaks about the film’s central theme. We see Wade sitting around his kitchen table with everyone in his polaroid, plus Logan, Laura and Vanessa, and he says, “Everyone wants to matter. Turns out that you don’t need to be Marvel Jesus to do it. You just need to open your eyes and look around. And if you’re lucky, you’ll find a few friends–old friends, and some new ones, too. Turns out, I am the world-saving type. Just look around this table if you want proof. The best part? Sometimes the people we save, they save us right back.” Wade explains that life is about those who care for us and that, if we’re lucky, we already belong exactly where we are. Also reminding us that life isn’t about standing alone but about leaning on and lifting up those around us.
With all its crude humour and wild gore, Deadpool & Wolverine slip in some profound truths about belonging, love, and finding value in our relationships. Wade’s and Logan’s journey in this movie is far from a typical hero’s arc, but it’s a journey full of hard-won lessons and tender moments wrapped in comic chaos.
BLOOD, GUTS AND GIGGLES: THE CLASSICS
The jokes and gore are unleashed with reckless abandon, delivering everything fans of both anti-heroes could want—and probably more from this franchise. From the first scene, Deadpool’s endless wisecracks, dripping with sarcasm and breaking every imaginable fourth wall, blend perfectly with Wolverine’s gruff and no-nonsense attitude. Deadpool makes Wolverine the punchline of almost every joke, throwing out digs about his grumpiness, iconic sideburns, and “overdone brooding.” As for the gore, it’s nothing short of a masterclass in mayhem. At times, it feels like a twisted ballet of dismemberment, with Wolverine’s claws and Deadpool’s katanas shredding each other in a way that is as horrific as it is hilarious.
Among the film’s most hilariously brutal moments is a cameo from Chris Evans’ Johnny Storm (a.k.a. the Human Torch). In a scene that blends high-stakes tension with Deadpool’s trademark dark humour, Storm finds himself a prisoner of the telekinetic Cassandra Nova. When Deadpool, ever the agent of chaos, starts putting ridiculous insults in Johnny’s mouth, he paints Storm as the instigator of some choice insults against Cassandra, calling her a “megalomaniac, psychotic *******” among other obscene names. Cassandra, unamused, unleashes a telekinetic attack on Johnny that’s as shocking as it is grotesque: she strips every inch of skin from his body in one swift motion, leaving him standing as a nightmarish, muscle-bound corpse for just a few horrifying moments before he collapses. This sequence, made even darker by Deadpool’s totally misplaced bravado, is one of the goriest and most shocking in the movie—a bold creative decision that likely wouldn’t have flown in a PG-13 Marvel flick.
The film doesn’t pull punches when it comes to violence, but it also revels in the ridiculousness of Deadpool’s chaotic universe. This is most evident in the introduction of a Deadpool variant called “Nice Deadpool”, who is startlingly kindhearted and soft-spoken, standing in stark contrast to his crude counterparts. Nicepool’s kindness ultimately becomes his downfall in a twistedly hilarious sequence where Deadpool, Wolverine, and a horde of Deadpool variants find themselves in a firefight. Nicepool is inadvertently caught in the crossfire. Despite his harmless demeanour, he quickly becomes an easy target, used as a human shield and riddled with gunfire as his more ruthless counterparts show no mercy. The coup de grâce comes when a particularly large-calibre shot blows Nicepool’s head clean off, drenching Deadpool in blood. The scene is as brutal as it is absurdly funny, especially when considering that Nicepool’s only crime was his gentle nature and his adorable dog. This single moment encapsulates the film’s approach to gore—it’s over-the-top and entirely unconcerned with sparing its characters (or its audience) from visceral carnage.
The final act raises the stakes and the bloodshed when Deadpool and Wolverine confront Cassandra Nova and the rogue Time Ripper. Before they can face their primary foes, however, they must hack their way through a legion of Deadpool variants who have sided with Cassandra. Other than the naive Nicepool, most of the Deadpool variants bring an anarchic energy that borders on feral, only occasionally interrupted by moments of distraction as they spot Mary Puppins or try to make a case for sparing their lives. In a rare moment of Deadpool-Wolverine synergy, the two carve through this unstoppable army in a stunningly choreographed fight that shows off both characters’ unique fighting styles. Unlike the broader, explosive battles typical in the MCU, this one revels in close-up, visceral detail: blood sprays with each slash, and every stab, gunshot, and gruesome manoeuvre is designed to emphasise just how much Deadpool and Wolverine lean into their abilities to survive and fight with reckless abandon.
This sequence, possibly one of the bloodiest in MCU history, plays with the possibilities that only a team-up between Deadpool and Wolverine could offer. Deadpool’s katanas slice through limbs with ease, while Wolverine’s claws tear through anything in his path, often catching Deadpool himself in the crossfire. Despite the violence, the film retains its humour and self-awareness; the Deadpool variants, even in the midst of being maimed, toss insults and jabs with Deadpool-like flair, occasionally pleading for mercy or blaming each other for their predicament. Every aspect of this extended brawl takes advantage of Deadpool’s comedic brutality and Wolverine’s raw intensity, making it not only the goriest part of the film but also the one that best showcases the growth and bizarre camaraderie between the two.
A fan favourite scene though, is the fight in the car. The emotional core of the movie takes place during a pivotal scene where Logan and Wade clash both physically and verbally in a close-quarters car fight that’s as claustrophobic as it is intense. Having been driving through the Void in a car (Honda Odyssey if I may add, ifykyk) loaned by Nicepool, they stop in a quiet forest for a heated confrontation. Deadpool, who’d previously assured Logan that they could fix Logan’s shattered timeline, sheepishly admits that he’s only made an “educated wish.” This revelation lights a fire in Logan, who lashes out in a scathing rant, stripping Deadpool of every scrap of heroism he claims to possess. He even goes as far as to stab Wade in the leg—several times. Each claw strike, each insult lands with years of Logan’s own guilt and fury behind it, carving into Deadpool’s fragile sense of purpose.
This car-bound brawl is far more than a simple fight scene; it’s a brutal mirror into Logan’s tortured soul. Over the years, we’ve seen Logan rage, scream, and break down, but rarely has his pain been turned inward as powerfully as here. With Jackman pouring every ounce of his craft into Logan’s anguish, the scene becomes a showcase of the deep-seated self-loathing Logan holds, amplified by his unwavering belief in what it means to be a true hero. For over two decades, he’s worn his blue-and-yellow X-Men suit as an emblem of his commitment to protect others. Logan’s tirade is not just anger; it’s the outpouring of a man bearing the emotional scars of his past failures, blaming himself for not living up to the title of hero. This isn’t just a fight between two fan-favourites—it’s a cathartic release for both characters, where their motives are laid bare.
Wade’s quips are rapid-fire, landing with the kind of comic timing only Reynolds can deliver, and the confined space of the car becomes a playground for hilariously creative violence. Katanas through the back, claws to the ribcage, limbs snapped and healing in grotesque fashion—each blow is as intense as it is absurd. Every slash, blast, and impaling is captured in bloody, bone-crunching detail, thanks to the regenerative powers that let the duo obliterate each other without consequence. Wade’s persistence to provoke Logan only serves to make each fight sequence more frenetic, peppered with physical comedy that contrasts beautifully with the brutality on display.
At the heart of this chaos, though, is Wade’s loyalty to his “whole world”—a group of nine people, including Vanessa, Blind Al, and Colossus, who mean more to him than any universe-saving mission ever could. His vulnerability emerges in a quiet moment when he shows Logan a Polaroid of these loved ones, pleading for help with the kind of sincerity rarely seen from Deadpool. While Wade’s world might not be on the grand, cosmic scale of Avengers-level stakes, his fight for these nine precious lives resonates deeply. “My entire world is right here in this picture,” he tells Logan, making it clear that for him, heroism isn’t about titles or accolades but about protecting those he loves. In this way, the film makes the stakes intensely personal, a reminder that true heroism is often about the people who anchor us, rather than the scale of the mission.
In the end, Deadpool & Wolverine captures why these characters are more than just their punchlines or powers. As the film goes from gore to growth, fans are left not only exhilarated by the action but genuinely moved by the depth of emotion these two wounded warriors bring out in each other. This film isn’t just a brawl—it’s a reminder of the respect and admiration these characters deserve, and of the enduring complexity that keeps us invested in their stories. By the film’s end, Deadpool & Wolverine stands as a unique blend of absurd humour and hardcore violence, taking the Deadpool brand of dark comedy to new heights. The car fight, the introduction of Nicepool, and the climactic battle serve as memorable moments in a film that is relentless in its dedication to gore, grit, and gut-busting humour, pushing both characters to their limits in a way that’s as hilarious as it is brutal. The film finds the perfect balance, making the gore a part of the comedy while still keeping the action intense, showing that sometimes, you have to laugh through the blood and bruises.
Written by: Ashley and Tisyha
Edited by: Jimmy
