Warning: The content below may spoil some parts of Deadpool & Wolverine. Readers are advised to exercise caution before reading this article, as we recommend experiencing the film beforehand.
Currently, Deadpool & Wolverine – the latest superhero film is “taking the box office by storm” globally. Like many other superhero films set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Deadpool & Wolverine are packed with numerous “easter eggs” that, when discovered, provide audiences with a plethora of emotions. In fact, on several occasions, viewers have identified around 100 “easter eggs” referenced throughout the film, which runs longer than 2 hours.
20th Century Fox
Fox has been closely associated with many superhero films in the past, and although there have been some ups and downs over the years, particularly regarding content (such as the legendary X-Men Trilogy), it cannot be denied that 20th Century Fox has brought some of the first superhero films to global audiences, including in Vietnam during the early 21st century. Therefore, Deadpool & Wolverine (referred to as D&W) has certainly dedicated at least 2 scenes to this legacy.
Hollywood Drama
With Deadpool’s penchant for breaking the fourth wall, it’s no surprise that Ryan Reynolds and the film’s cast have included references to Ben Affleck – Jennifer Garner’s marriage (with a nod to the actress who played Elektra) and Will Smith’s famous slap in the film. The scene is notably stitched together with a comment by Deadpool: “Call me whatever you want, just don’t call me late for dinner” (a parody of Will Smith’s line).
Blake Lively
Of course, Ryan Reynolds didn’t forget to mention his “wife” Blake Lively. Not only is Gossip Girl the show that made Blake Lively famous, but Ryan also hinted that their children would appear as various versions of Deadpool (including Lady Deadpool and Kid Deadpool) in the film.
Wolverine Logan
In the film Wolverine, this character will surely be referenced frequently throughout the narrative. The film’s directors have recreated the iconic imagery of Wolverine since his debut in the first X-Men film, right up until the poignant farewell in Logan. Deadpool even has a scene where he visits Wolverine’s iconic bar (built by X-23) to search for the “Wolverine” and expresses hope for his resurrection, albeit unsuccessfully. After this, Deadpool even uses Wolverine’s skeleton as a weapon during a fight.
Classic Horror Films
In Deadpool & Wolverine, it’s not hard to notice many references to classic horror films in the cinematography. From the elderly Blind AI suggesting Deadpool use a tranquilizer through the line “Do you want to build a snowman?” (a nod to Frozen) to scenes resembling post-apocalyptic pursuits (similar to Mad Max), or Deadpool referencing Hugh Jackman’s role in The Greatest Showman, the film is rich with such tributes. Moreover, Deadpool even mimics the Vulcan salute and locks Wolverine in a room, which is a familiar action for fans of the Star Trek series, especially for those who are fond of the character Spock.
Superhero Movies Referenced in the Film
Superhero films are known for their numerous “easter eggs” that reference other superheroes, and D&W is no exception. The audience cheers as they see legendary figures from the past, such as Elektra, Blade, or even characters like Toad, Sabretooth, and Pyro from the X-Men Trilogy. Additionally, there are scenes that reference Deadpool and Wolverine enjoying shawarma after the battle. Anyone familiar with the Avengers will recognize this as the dish the team shared after their first battle against Loki.
Furthermore, there are scenes set in Asgard, where Thor embraces Deadpool instead of Loki (in a scene where TVA appears for Deadpool). The appearance of Human Torch, played by Chris Evans, and the Fantastic Four’s vehicle is also an “easter egg” that makes die-hard fans thrilled. It’s worth noting that Chris Evans’ Human Torch is later eliminated by Cassandra Nova (the twin sister of Professor X and one of the main characters in the film).
Tribute to the X-Men Series
Despite the X-Men series from 20th Century Fox having some flaws in the early 21st century, which disrupted the essence of X-Men, it still holds a legendary status among superhero film fans worldwide. Thus, Deadpool’s references to a multitude of characters from this series, including X-Men like Negasonic Teenage Warhead, Yukio, and Colossus, highlight the enduring respect for 20th Century Fox and the X-Men franchise.
Subtle References to Familiar Superheroes
It’s easy to recognize that D&W subtly hints at the demise of numerous superheroes, particularly noting the endings of key characters in the MCU’s golden age. Characters like Ant Man and Cassandra Nova confirm that The Punisher, Magneto, and Quicksilver have met their ends. Moreover, Cassandra Nova also confirms that Doctor Strange has been eliminated (the specific context remains unclear) to take the mantle of a powerful cosmic being.
Marvel and DC References
Right from the start, many audiences have noticed Deadpool’s satirical remarks aimed at the superhero standards set by the MCU and DCU. In D&W, Deadpool repeatedly boasts, “I am the essence of the Marvel universe.” Furthermore, he quotes The Rock (the actor who played Black Adam) when acknowledging that “the hierarchy of power in the DC universe is about to change.” The Rock’s quote is: “I’ve been saying for years that the power structure in the DC universe is about to change.” Of course, everyone knows: change is inevitable.
Stan Lee
Every Marvel superhero film features a cameo by Stan Lee, and it is a beloved tradition among MCU fans. D&W is no exception. A photo of Stan Lee is pasted on a bus, and although he only appears briefly, it resonates with audiences who remember the legendary creator’s significant contributions to the MCU as we know it today.
