Deadpool & Wolverine Ending Explained: The long-awaited team-up of two beloved Marvel superheroes has finally hit the big screen, and fans are buzzing with excitement. But as the credits roll, many are left wondering about the implications for the future of these characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Let’s dive into the ending of Deadpool & Wolverine and explore what it might mean for the Merc with a Mouth and the adamantium-clawed mutant.
Is Deadpool Now in the MCU?
The short answer? It’s complicated. Deadpool & Wolverine doesn’t give us a straightforward “yes” or “no” to this question. Instead, it leaves the door open for future possibilities while wrapping up its own self-contained story.
Throughout the movie, we see Wade Wilson (Ryan Reynolds) desperately trying to join the Avengers. He even faces rejection from Happy Hogan (Jon Favreau) at the beginning of the film. Happy explains that being an Avenger isn’t about personal gain – it’s about selflessly saving the world.
By the end of the movie, Deadpool seems to have learned this lesson. He’s willing to sacrifice himself to save the multiverse, showing real growth as a character. But does this mean he’s officially part of the MCU? Not necessarily.
The movie’s ending feels more like a “true one-off” adventure, as Reynolds himself has described it. It doesn’t explicitly set up Deadpool’s future in the MCU, but it doesn’t rule it out either. The writers have cleverly left things open-ended, giving them flexibility for future storylines.
Deadpool & Wolverine Ending Explained
To understand the implications for Deadpool’s MCU future, we need to take a closer look at how the movie wraps up. Buckle up, because it’s a wild ride!
The Void and Unlikely Allies
After bringing an alternate version of Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) to his universe, Deadpool finds himself trapped in The Void. This wasteland serves as a dumping ground for Marvel’s failed projects and forgotten characters. It’s here that we meet some unexpected faces:
- Elektra (Jennifer Garner)
- Blade (Wesley Snipes)
- Gambit (Channing Tatum)
- X-23 (Dafne Keen)
These characters form a group of rebels fighting against the powerful Cassandra Nova (Emma Corrin), Charles Xavier’s sister who rules The Void.
The Final Battle
The climax of the movie involves an epic showdown with Cassandra Nova, who plans to destroy the entire multiverse. Deadpool and Wolverine must work together to stop her, facing off against an army of Deadpool variants in the process.
In a touching moment, we see that every Deadpool variant has their own version of Peter (Rob Delaney), highlighting the importance of friendship across the multiverse.
The Ultimate Sacrifice
The only way to stop Cassandra and save the multiverse involves creating an energy bridge between matter and antimatter power sources. This act would typically destroy the person attempting it, even with healing powers.
In a surprising twist, both Deadpool and Wolverine decide to make this sacrifice together. Their combined strength allows them to survive, showcasing the power of teamwork and friendship.
A New Beginning?
The movie ends with Deadpool inviting Wolverine to dinner, reuniting with his friends and his ex, Vanessa. We also see X-23, rescued from The Void, joining the group.
Deadpool’s final words, “Sometimes the people we save, they save us right back,” hint at the personal growth he’s experienced throughout the movie.
Will Deadpool and Wolverine Return to the MCU?
This is the million-dollar question on every fan’s mind. While the movie doesn’t give us a definitive answer, we can make some educated guesses based on what we’ve seen.
Deadpool’s Future
Ryan Reynolds has been pretty coy about the possibility of Deadpool 4. In an interview on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, he joked that making another Deadpool movie would lead to divorce from his wife and children.
He’s also emphasized that Deadpool & Wolverine was intended as a “true one-off” and “was not meant to be a commercial for another movie.” This suggests that there aren’t immediate plans for Deadpool’s return to the big screen.
However, in the world of superhero movies, never say never. The character’s popularity and Reynolds’ enthusiasm for the role mean that we might see Deadpool pop up in future MCU projects, even if it’s not in a standalone film.
Wolverine’s Path Forward
As for Wolverine, his future in the MCU remains equally uncertain. Hugh Jackman had previously retired from the role after Logan, so his return in this film was already a pleasant surprise for fans.
At the end of Deadpool & Wolverine, Logan says he’ll “figure it out” when asked about his plans. This open-ended response leaves the door ajar for potential future appearances, without making any promises.
Deaths and Surprises in Deadpool & Wolverine
While death often lacks permanence in the MCU thanks to the multiverse, Deadpool & Wolverine does feature some notable character deaths:
- Johnny Storm/Human Torch (Chris Evans): Flayed alive by Cassandra Nova, marking a gruesome end for this version of the character.
- A kind-hearted Deadpool variant: The owner of Dogpool, this seems to be the only Deadpool who can’t regenerate.
- Cassandra Nova: Appears to be incinerated along with the Time Ripper, but without seeing a body, her fate remains uncertain.
- Various minor characters: Including Sabretooth and Cassandra’s X-Men goons.
The fates of Blade, Elektra, and Gambit remain ambiguous. While Alioth seems to consume them, we see Laura (X-23) alive at the end, leaving hope for their survival.
The Impact on the MCU
While Deadpool & Wolverine doesn’t explicitly integrate these characters into the main MCU timeline, it does open up exciting possibilities:
- Multiverse exploration: The movie further expands on the concept of the multiverse, which has been a central theme in recent MCU projects.
- Character revivals: By bringing back actors like Jennifer Garner and Wesley Snipes, the film shows that no character is truly off-limits for future MCU appearances.
- Tone shift: Deadpool’s R-rated antics could pave the way for more mature content in the MCU, potentially broadening its audience appeal.
- X-Men integration: While not a full-fledged introduction, the movie takes steps towards bringing mutants into the MCU fold.
What’s Next for the MCU?
With Deadpool & Wolverine now in theaters, fans are eagerly speculating about what’s next for these characters and the broader MCU. Here are some possibilities:
- Cameo appearances: Even if they don’t get another standalone film, Deadpool and Wolverine could pop up in other MCU projects.
- X-Men reboot: This movie could serve as a stepping stone towards a full integration of the X-Men into the MCU.
- Multiverse exploration: The concept of The Void and alternate realities could play a significant role in future MCU storylines.
- Tone experimentation: The success of Deadpool & Wolverine might encourage Marvel to explore more diverse tones and ratings in future projects.
Conclusion: A New Chapter for Marvel
Deadpool & Wolverine marks an exciting new chapter for Marvel, blending the irreverent humor of Deadpool with the gritty character of Wolverine. While it doesn’t definitively answer all our questions about their MCU future, it opens up a world of possibilities.
The movie’s success proves that audiences are hungry for fresh takes on beloved characters. It also demonstrates Marvel’s willingness to push boundaries and experiment with different tones and storytelling approaches.
As we look to the future of the MCU, one thing is certain: with characters like Deadpool and Wolverine in play, anything is possible. Whether we see them team up again or embark on separate adventures, fans can look forward to more exciting, unpredictable, and wildly entertaining stories in the Marvel universe.
So, while we may not have a definitive answer about Deadpool’s place in the MCU, we can be sure that wherever he shows up next, it’ll be one hell of a ride. After all, in the words of the Merc with a Mouth himself, “Sometimes the people we save, they save us right back.” And sometimes, those people just might be the audience, eagerly awaiting the next chapter in this ever-expanding superhero saga.
