Shawn Levy and Simon Kinberg discuss Marvel Studios' bold choice of Deadpool and Wolverine to lead the MCU. Topics include the cinematic histories of the characters, the success of the Deadpool movies, Disney's acquisition of Fox, and Marvel's strategies for integrating X-Men characters into the MCU.
Marvel's future hinges on Deadpool and Wolverine team-up, leading MCU forward.
Deadpool's success paved the way for R-rated superhero films like Logan and Joker.
Marvel's revitalization strategy includes integrating X-Men and Fantastic Four post-Disney acquisition.
Deep dives
Introduction of Ringer Movies YouTube Channel
The podcast episode highlights the launch of the Ringer Movies YouTube channel, showcasing popular segments like the Rewatchables and the Big Picture. Viewers can expect movie history insights along with fun content featuring various Ringer personalities.
The Evolution of the Deadpool and Wolverine Franchise
The podcast delves into the history of Deadpool and Wolverine's intertwining franchise evolution. From the inception of Deadpool's solo movie to the wishful crossover with Hugh Jackman's Wolverine, the journey through 20th Century Fox to Marvel Cinematic Universe marks a significant shift in superhero crossovers.
Impact of Deadpool on Superhero Genre
The episode discusses how Deadpool's success rewrote the rulebook for superhero films. Through its irreverent humor, R-rating, and self-referential style, Deadpool changed the landscape by showing the potential for R-rated comic book movies, influencing subsequent projects like Logan and Joker.
Marvel's Acquisition of Fox and Implications for the X-Men Franchise
The acquisition of 21st Century Fox by Disney for $71.3 billion in 2019 reshaped the Marvel Universe. The return of X-Men and Fantastic Four to Marvel Studios provides an exciting opportunity to integrate these iconic franchises into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, allowing for new creative ventures and storyline possibilities.
Marvel Studios' Struggles and Overextension
Marvel Studios has faced challenges with declining quality in its content due to overextension and prioritizing volume over quality, especially with the rush to create more for Disney Plus during the pandemic. The rapid release of content has strained creative resources and affected the continuity and quality of Marvel's productions, leading to a noticeable decline in VFX quality across TV shows and movies.
The Return of X-Men and Marvel's Revival
Marvel's strategy to revitalize its content includes bringing back former Fox-owned characters like the X-Men, connecting with loyal fans through Disney Plus series like X-Men 97. By tapping into the legacy of these characters and blending new ideas with established themes, Marvel aims to re-engage audiences and rebuild a strong foundation of fandom to support its future projects.
In the aftermath of the Infinity Saga, Marvel Studios is at an inflection point, and it has chosen an unlikely pair of heroes to lead the MCU forward: Deadpool and Wolverine. In this special audio feature, Ringer staff writer Daniel Chin explores the cinematic histories of the two iconic characters ahead of their team-up in 'Deadpool & Wolverine.' Interviews with Shawn Levy, Simon Kinberg, and more help tell the story of how the summer blockbuster became Marvel’s big bet on the studio’s future.
