When “Logan” hit theaters in 2017, it was hailed as a near-perfect swan song for Hugh Jackman’s iconic portrayal of Wolverine. With its poignant storytelling and raw emotion, the film carved its place in the annals of superhero cinema. So, when news broke that Wolverine would return in “Deadpool & Wolverine,” fans were understandably anxious. Could this irreverent, fourth-wall-breaking franchise really respect the gravitas of “Logan”? The answer, as it turns out, is a resounding yes—if not with a twist.
The Opening Scene: A Bold Move
In a move that only “Deadpool” could pull off, the film opens with a sequence that had fans and creators alike on edge: Deadpool digging up Wolverine’s corpse from “Logan” and using his adamantium skeleton in a battle against the Time Variance Authority, all while NSYNC’s “Bye Bye Bye” plays in the background. The scene is outrageous, yes, but it’s also quintessentially Deadpool. It doesn’t rewrite the ending of “Logan”; it acknowledges it in the most audacious way possible.
Michael Green’s Reaction: A Compliment, Not an Insult
Michael Green, co-writer of “Logan,” was forewarned about this scene, with some in his circle wondering how he would feel about Deadpool desecrating Logan’s grave. Green’s response was surprisingly positive. In an interview with IGN, he shared that while he was prepared for something shocking, the extent to which the film pushed boundaries still caught him off guard. However, rather than feeling insulted, Green saw the scene as a compliment.
“You weren’t meant to take it seriously,” Green explained. “It felt less like they were trying to change the ending of ‘Logan’ and more like they were acknowledging how great that movie was. It’s a huge compliment!”
Hugh Jackman’s Return: Respecting “Logan”
For Hugh Jackman, returning as Wolverine was not a decision he took lightly. “Logan” was a perfect send-off for the character, and the actor was keen not to undo the emotional impact of that film. Jackman has been clear that his return in “Deadpool & Wolverine” doesn’t tamper with the “Logan” timeline, thanks to the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s clever use of time-travel devices.
“It’s all because of this device they have in the Marvel world of moving around timelines,” Jackman explained to SiriusXM. “I don’t have to screw with the ‘Logan’ timeline, which was important to me and probably to the fans too.”
Even Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige had his reservations, initially advising Jackman against returning. Feige recognized the significance of “Logan” and didn’t want to risk diminishing its impact.
Why “Deadpool & Wolverine” Works: Balancing Reverence with Irreverence
The brilliance of “Deadpool & Wolverine” lies in its ability to balance reverence with irreverence. It acknowledges the legacy of “Logan” without taking itself too seriously. The film’s opening sequence, while shocking, is a tongue-in-cheek nod to the seriousness of its predecessor. By not attempting to rewrite “Logan,” the film allows both narratives to coexist, each serving its unique purpose within the broader Marvel universe.
Conclusion: A New Chapter, Not a Rewrite
“Deadpool & Wolverine” is not about undoing the legacy of “Logan.” Instead, it’s a playful, self-aware continuation that respects what came before while forging its path. For fans of Wolverine, this film offers the best of both worlds: the chance to see Hugh Jackman reprise his role without feeling like it’s at the expense of the perfect ending that “Logan” provided.
As Michael Green said, the film is a “huge compliment,” not just to “Logan” but to the fans who hold that movie in such high regard. So, here’s to more adventures with Deadpool and Wolverine—let’s just hope they keep the Green Lantern jokes to a minimum.
