'Deadpool and Wolverine’ pays tribute to Marvel Fox Universe with cameos galore

CEBU, Philippines — If "Deadpool and Wolverine" feels like a tribute to a bygone era of superhero movies, it’s because it is. Specifically, the film bids farewell to the Marvel Fox Universe, which started in 2000 and ended unceremoniously in 2020.

With Disney's acquisition of 20th Century Fox (renamed 20th Century Pictures), the X-Men franchise is expected to be rebooted and integrated into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). But there's an elephant in the room — one that's big and red. He’s called Deadpool, whose title as the “Merc with a Mouth” was earned because of his constant fourth-wall-breaking jokes.

This red elephant, played by Ryan Reynolds, also brings big money. The 2016 film and its 2018 sequel earned around $780 million at the box office. Given Deadpool's self-aware humor and box office success, his integration into the MCU is a no-brainer.

The third Deadpool movie, long in development due to Disney's acquisition of Fox, could’ve been a soft reboot as Deadpool can seamlessly transition from the X-Men Marvel Universe to the MCU. However, it feels more like a natural continuation of the first two films set under the Marvel Fox Universe.

In "Deadpool and Wolverine," Wade Wilson thinks he’s done with his anti-hero ways until he's transported by the Time Variance Authority (introduced in the Disney+ series "Loki"). Told that his universe is dying, Wade is offered a chance to move to the MCU's "Sacred Timeline" where he can co-exist with Thor and Captain America.

Not wanting to lose his loved ones including his ex Vanessa (Morena Baccarin), he decides to save his universe and encounters an alternate version of Wolverine (Hugh Jackman), dubbed the "Worst Wolverine" in the multiverse. He reluctantly helps Deadpool, putting their love-hate friendship to the test as they attempt to redeem themselves as heroes.

Here, Reynolds and Co. (including director Shawn Levy) seem to have finally found the perfect balance between substantial storytelling and humor, correcting the issues with "Deadpool 2," where jokes overshadowed the plot.

While Reynolds' Deadpool is as hilarious as ever and Jackman delivers the expected grumpy charm, the film also offers surprising character development. Their emotional arcs feel inspired by the end of the X-Men Fox franchise, subtly tackling their legacy and role in the larger context of the MCU.

Deadpool, feeling unworthy of joining The Avengers during a universe-jumping scene, decides to prove himself by saving his universe on his own. Behind his wisecracks, there's a vulnerability and deep care for his loved ones that Reynolds portrays flawlessly.

This variant of Wolverine, while different from previous iterations (including "Logan"), shows a vulnerable side that continues his arc from the Fox franchise. It’s a treat to see Jackman return to this iconic role with a mature perspective that only he can pull off.

Another standout is Emma Corrin's portrayal of Cassandra Nova, the telepathic antagonist and long-lost twin of Charles Xavier. Despite the MCU's mixed record with villains, Corrin delivers a deliciously evil performance that contrasts beautifully with the actress' soft-hearted role as Princess Diana in "The Crown."

Deadpool's iconic slapstick violence carries over to the MCU, making this the franchise’s first R-rated film. The gore is balanced, and the action-comedy tone keeps it enjoyable.

While "Deadpool and Wolverine" is packed with crowd-pleasing cameos and iconic Fox universe characters, these moments are delivered with decent characterization and spectacular performances.

However, some may criticize these fan-service moments as another example of the MCU prioritizing fan service over storytelling, given the current status quo of the franchise. Deadpool himself acknowledges the MCU’s current struggles (“Welcome to the MCU. You are joining at a bit of a low moment”). But "Deadpool and Wolverine" justifies these fan-worthy moments with a narrative that ties them together meaningfully.

In true MCU fashion, the film includes a mid-credit and post-credit scene. The post-credit scene hilariously clarifies a prior moment in the film, while the mid-credit scene is a touching montage of the Fox X-Men Universe, using past archive footage. It’s a much-needed tribute to the former franchise and an acknowledgment that the MCU wouldn’t be where it is today without the Marvel Fox Universe.

"Deadpool and Wolverine" may not convert skeptics into Marvel fans anytime soon. But for those hoping the MCU will return to its former glory after a string of underwhelming entries, this film may be a step in the right direction. Let’s hope this momentum carries forward into the MCU’s future projects. Four stars out of five.