When Deadpool and Wolverine was first announced, fans were abuzz with anticipation—and a bit of apprehension. Hugh Jackman’s return as Wolverine after his emotional farewell in Logan raised questions about how this new film would treat the beloved character’s legacy. The movie wasted no time in addressing these concerns, opening with a scene that humorously mocks Logan, much to the surprise of many—including Logan co-writer Michael Green.

The Controversial Opening: A Joke at Logan’s Expense

The opening scene of Deadpool and Wolverine sees Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool breaking the fourth wall as usual, with the Merc with a Mouth explicitly stating that the film would not respect Logan’s legacy. The scene quickly escalates to a moment where Wolverine’s adamantium skeleton is dug up and used in a battle against Time Variance Authority officers. This irreverent take immediately set the tone for the movie, reassuring fans that nothing was off-limits—but also raising eyebrows among those who held Logan in high regard.

Michael Green’s Surprised Reaction

During an interview with IGN, Michael Green, who co-wrote Logan, shared his candid reaction to the unexpected scene. Green mentioned that while he was warned beforehand, the actual execution caught him off guard. “People had warned me ahead of time, ‘Uh, I don’t know how you’re gonna feel about the opening [of Deadpool & Wolverine],’” Green recalled. “I’m like, ‘I think I know what’s gonna happen.’ And I did not know! I didn’t know they were gonna go that far.”

A Backhanded Compliment to Logan

Despite the initial shock, Green interpreted the scene as a compliment rather than a slight against Logan. He explained, “You weren’t meant to take seriously that they were, like, digging him up, and that it was really him. It felt less like they were trying to change the ending of Logan as they were contending with not feeling that they wanted to make a movie as good as they felt Logan was, which is a huge compliment!”

This perspective aligns with how many fans view Deadpool and Wolverine—as a love letter to the era of Fox’s X-Men films, despite its playful jabs at some of the franchise’s more serious moments.

A Tribute to the Fox X-Men Era

The Deadpool franchise, and indeed Deadpool and Wolverine, owes its existence to the Fox X-Men films, despite their mixed reception over the years. The original portrayal of Deadpool in X-Men Origins: Wolverine was widely panned, leading Ryan Reynolds to campaign for a more faithful adaptation. This effort eventually led to the successful Deadpool films, which embraced the character’s comic-accurate persona.

Deadpool and Wolverine continues this trend, paying homage to the Fox X-Men era while simultaneously roasting it. The filmmakers clearly acknowledge that without the highs and lows of the Fox X-Men films, the current Deadpool movies wouldn’t have come to fruition.

The Impact on Logan’s Legacy

While Deadpool and Wolverine doesn’t directly alter the events of Logan, some fans feel the film’s irreverence undermines the emotional weight of Wolverine’s final chapter. The fact that the film ends with Jackman’s Wolverine variant remaining in the timeline raises questions about whether Logan’s ending is still intact. However, given Deadpool and Wolverine’s success at the box office, it’s clear that most fans are content with the film’s playful approach.

Final Thoughts

Deadpool and Wolverine may have sparked debates about its treatment of Wolverine’s legacy, but it ultimately serves as a fun, irreverent tribute to the character and the Fox X-Men films that came before it. Michael Green’s reaction to the film’s opening scene reflects the surprise and humor that fans have come to expect from Deadpool’s world, confirming that even the most beloved moments in superhero cinema aren’t safe from the Merc with a Mouth’s antics.

Whether you view Deadpool and Wolverine as a playful nod or a brazen parody, there’s no denying that it adds another layer to the complex legacy of Wolverine—a character who continues to evolve in surprising ways.

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