Marvel fans, get ready! The much-anticipated arrival of Deadpool and his tormented ally, Wolverine, on Disney+, is just around the corner. For Disney+, this streaming debut isn’t just another addition to the lineup—it’s a milestone moment that will make Disney history.
A Box Office Smash and a Record-Breaker
Shawn Levy’s Deadpool & Wolverine (2024) set the box office on fire earlier this year, racking up an astounding $1.331 billion globally, with $633 million coming from domestic markets. It didn’t just rake in cash; it set records, dethroning 2019’s Joker to become the highest-grossing R-rated film of all time. It even managed to outpace Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer from last year, a feat that cemented Deadpool & Wolverine as a major win for both Disney and Marvel Studios.
The movie’s success came alongside another hit for Disney: Inside Out 2 (2024). Pixar’s latest family-friendly release became Disney’s second billion-dollar hit of the year, overtaking Frozen II to claim the title of the highest-grossing animated film ever. With both an R-rated Marvel flick and a Pixar family movie dominating the box office, it’s clear Disney is playing the long game, catering to fans of all ages and preferences.
A New Kind of R-Rated History on Disney+
While fans eagerly await the streaming release, Deadpool & Wolverine is poised to make history as Disney’s first-ever R-rated film to hit Disney+ under the company’s own distribution. Though Deadpool (2016), Logan (2017), and Deadpool 2 (2018) are already available on the platform, those films were originally released by Fox, which Disney acquired in 2019.
Deadpool & Wolverine will signal a new direction for Disney+ as it grows its catalog of adult-friendly content. The film’s success hints that Disney is willing to embrace a more diverse library, and this R-rated feature could be just the beginning of a shift toward a bolder streaming strategy.
The Fox Legacy and Marvel’s New Era
One of the reasons Deadpool & Wolverine struck such a chord with audiences was its homage to the beloved Fox superhero franchise. When Disney acquired 21st Century Fox, many projects in the works—including Deadpool 3 and X-Force—were left in limbo.
Writers Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick had envisioned a quieter, more introspective Deadpool 3, while X-Force was intended to bring an action-packed spectacle to the series. However, Disney’s acquisition saw those plans shelved, and fans were left wondering about the future of these characters.
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Fast forward to 2024, and Deadpool & Wolverine wasn’t quite the reboot some had expected, but it was nevertheless a thrilling and nostalgic ride. With Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman headlining the film, the Merc with a Mouth and the adamantium-clawed mutant delivered a dynamic performance that reignited fans’ passion for the characters. Shawn Levy himself has described the movie as a two-hander, not merely a “Deadpool 3” but a unique team-up.
Streaming Timeline—When Will Deadpool & Wolverine Hit Disney+?
For those eager to watch or rewatch the blockbuster from the comfort of their own homes, there’s still some uncertainty around when Deadpool & Wolverine will arrive on Disney+. While no official date has been set, based on the recent 89-day window between theatrical release and Disney+ premieres, it’s possible the film could hit the streaming service by late October, around October 23.
Once it does land, fans should prepare for some parental lock updates, as the R-rated film will be the first of its kind under the Disney distribution banner to stream on Disney+.
The Deadpool Corps and Epic Cameos
Beyond the central characters, Deadpool & Wolverine featured one of the MCU’s most talked-about sequences: the arrival of the Deadpool Corps. This Multiverse-spanning team of Deadpool variants, led by Lady Deadpool (played by Blake Lively), brought a wave of excitement in the film’s final act.
Lively, alongside her children Inez and Olin, joined Reynolds for their roles as Ladypool, Kidpool, and Babypool, respectively. Reynolds, initially slated to voice Cowboypool, handed the reigns over to Matthew McConaughey after a quick text exchange between the latter and director Shawn Levy.
Though many cameos were rumored, Deadpool & Wolverine didn’t reboot the MCU as some expected. Instead, it served as a send-off to many beloved Fox franchise characters, including Johnny Storm (Chris Evans), Elektra (Jennifer Garner), and X-23 (Dafne Keen). However, some left the door open for a return, leaving fans wondering what could be next for these characters in the MCU.
The Future of the MCU: What Comes Next?
With Phase Five of the MCU nearing its end, Captain America: Brave New World (2025) and Thunderbolts* (2025) are on the horizon, promising to bring new stories and characters to the ever-expanding universe. Looking ahead, Phase Six will kick off with The Fantastic Four: The First Steps (2025), introducing a fresh lineup of actors portraying the iconic superhero family, including Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards and Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm.
As the MCU forges ahead, the success of Deadpool & Wolverine sets a high bar for future releases. How do you feel about this record-breaking R-rated film making its way to Disney+? Let us know in the comments!
