Wade Wilson’s never been one to shy away from breaking the fourth wall, something which became abundantly apparent to those unfamiliar with the Merc with a Mouth in 2016 when Tim Miller’s Deadpool tore up the box office. Whether it was the innumerable pop culture references or goodhearted jabs at his Marvel kin, Ryan Reynolds’ foul-mouthed mutant didn’t play favourites, and according to Deadpool 2 director David Leitch, the meta one-liners will continue.
In an interview with Fandango, Leitch was asked if next month’s sequel contains “any funny references” regarding the fact that Deadpool 2 (May 16th) is “sandwiched between” Avengers: Infinity War (April 27th) and Solo: A Star Wars Story (May 23rd). Though he wouldn’t confirm anything outright, here’s what Leitch teased:
“[laughs] I think we might have a couple comments in the film. That would be fun for people to hear those jokes. They’re definitely fresh and timely when they come up.”
Earlier today, the final trailer for Deadpool 2 was released, and it gave us possibly the most ruthless quip to ever escape Wade Wilson ’s mouth: “So dark! Are you sure you’re not from the DC Universe?” The zinger almost certainly prodded Justice League fanatics still in an uproar over the current state of the franchise, but I doubt wisecracks at Infinity War and Solo’s expense will infuriate those fandoms to the same extent.
Of course, Ryan Reynolds is no stranger to mixing things up with the DCEU, having last month been involved in a good-natured tussle with Gal Gadot over the “borrowing” of Diana Prince’s trademark crossing of the arms.
Whatever these references or jabs end up being, Fox and Marvel are no doubt expecting big things from Deadpool 2. However, given that the film is indeed “sandwiched” between Infinity War and Solo, the David Leitch-directed sequel is tracking well below its predecessor and unfortunately, may struggle to achieve the same box office glory.