We finally know what adult joke was cut from Deadpool & Wolverine.
Related: Disney Descendants Praise and Criticize Upcoming Walt Disney Show
In Deadpool & Wolverine, a specific scene was crafted that would have introduced a joke potentially too risqué for Disney’s family-friendly image. The moment unfolds in The Void, where Deadpool wakes up surrounded by familiar faces, including Elektra, X-23, and Gambit.
Consequently, a shadowy fourth figure is revealed to be Blade. Deadpool, in his typical cheeky manner, was set to quip about the absence of Magneto, where he would compare Disney’s budget constraints, cheekily stating, “What, we can’t even afford one more X-Man? Disney is so cheap. I can barely breathe with all this Mickey Mouse c*** in my throat.”
While the scene encapsulated Deadpool’s characteristic humor, it crossed the line for Disney. The line not only played on the franchise’s self-awareness but also reflected Deadpool’s well-established affinity for crass and irreverent jokes.
Disney is known for its meticulous review policy, especially concerning content that aligns with its brand identity. Reports reveal that there was a back-and-forth discussion regarding the controversial joke, highlighting the corporation’s careful consideration of how adult humor could potentially impact its family-friendly reputation.
Ryan Reynolds, the face of Deadpool, shared insight into his discussions with Disney executives. He noted that he received encouragement to remove the line rather than a strict mandate to do so. Reynolds quoted a high-ranking Disney official expressing a supportive stance, stating that if the line was removed, it would be appreciated, but regardless of the decision, the company’s support would remain.
This interaction demonstrated the delicate balance between maintaining the essence of Deadpool’s humor while still upholding Disney’s image. Reynolds ultimately reflected on his priorities, realizing that standing firm on a singular joke might not be worth the potential fallout.
Related: Teen’s Family Wins $310M After Fatal Accident on Theme Park Ride
Fans of the Deadpool franchise typically expect an array of edgy humor, and they have embraced its R-rated content with enthusiasm. The upcoming film followed suit with a similar vibe of adult themes paired with sharp wit.
However, the removal of the controversial joke led to a noticeable difference in the atmosphere of the film.
Comparing Deadpool & Wolverine to its predecessors illustrates a slight shift in humor dynamics. Previous installments are marked by an unfiltered approach, and while the new film remains unapologetically bold, the absence of the joke left some viewers wondering about the creative liberties taken within the narrative. Fans expressed mixed feelings regarding the cut joke, some empathizing with the necessity of adhering to broader guidelines and others wishing to see Deadpool’s character stay true to his outrageous nature.
With the success of Deadpool & Wolverine and its subsequent availability on platforms like Disney+, it appears that Disney is venturing into more mature territory. The decision to allow R-rated content demonstrated recognition of evolving audience preferences, marking a significant shift in the company’s approach to mature themes.
Looking forward, there seems to be potential for future sequels in the Deadpool franchise, combining audiences’ expectations for irreverent humor with Disney’s willingness to embrace such narratives. The success of Deadpool & Wolverine may pave the way for more films featuring similarly adult themes, which could influence the broader Marvel franchise, leading to a renewed focus on expanding creative boundaries.