‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ Director Reveals Reason Behind Name Change

‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ is the next big date with Marvel in theaters, as it premieres next July 26th. Recently, its director, Shawn Levy, has explained what is the reason for the name change of what was originally going to be simply titled ‘Deadpool 3′. And according to the filmmaker, the title change is not simply to promote Wolverine, but it is a sequel in which both characters have equal weight.

‘Deadpool 3′ changed its name to ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ because both protagonists are equally important.

In a recent statement to ScreenRant, Shawn Levy revealed the reason behind the name change of ‘Deadpool 3′ to ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’, which was revealed during the release of the first trailer last February.

Levy commented: “As far as crafting the ‘Deadpool and Wolverine’ story, I just felt privileged every day because you’re talking about two massive movie stars in their most iconic roles. It also gave me an opportunity. It’s the third Deadpool movie, but it’s not Deadpool 3. It’s a different thing that’s very much Deadpool and Wolverine. And it’s not trying to copycat anything from the first two movies. They were awesome, but this is a two-hander character adventure.”

In other words: Shawn Levy, director of this third installment of Deadpool in theaters, believes that the name change is because both characters are the protagonists and therefore have equal importance, while in the previous films, the plot revolved around Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool, the sole protagonist of each feature film.

From the very beginning, this third Merch with a Mouth film was conceived as a road trip movie with buddy cop elements a la ‘48 Hours’ (1982) with Nick Nolte and Eddie Murphy. In other words, an adventure with two protagonists with contrasting personalities, resulting in a constant humorous give and take as they travel great distances to reach their goal.

The name change is ultimately a similar move to what has already happened in the MCU with the second part of “Ant-Man,” called “Ant-Man and The Wasp” (2018). That is, instead of adding a number at the end, adding a second name to the title implies that the character in question will become an inextricable part of the adventures of the previous solo protagonist.

What is the plot of ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’?

Deadpool & Wolverine” promises to turn the Marvel Cinematic Universe upside down with its insane premise. After repeatedly using a time machine obtained at the end of ‘Deadpool 2′ to their advantage, the Time Variance Authority - an organization dedicated to maintaining order in the multiverse that we saw in the two seasons of Loki - captures Wade Wilson. As with Loki, they offer him a deal: be eliminated or help them correct Marvel’s timeline.

Deadpool reluctantly agrees and discovers the existence of the Marvel Multiverse. Little else about the plot is revealed in the first trailer, except that at some point the Merch with a Mouth will turn against the TVA... or vice versa, as we see Don Pool confronting the organization’s soldiers in several scenes.

As for Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine, not much is known about him since he was barely seen in the trailer, but he will be Deadpool’s partner in crime, with whom he will be constantly at odds.