Warning! This post contains SPOILERS for Deadpool & Wolverine
Summary
The biggest theory regarding Doctor Doom makes theMCU’sown Multiverse Saga complaint even worse (but does make the joke even funnier). Naturally,Deadpool & Wolverinefeatures a plethora of meta and self-referential jokes thanks to Ryan Reynolds' Wade Wilson. This includes some pointed critiques of the MCU itself, including one that now feels very connected to Marvel’s recent Doctor Doom news.
At San Diego Comic-Con 2024, it was announced that2026’sAvengers: Doomsdaywould be directed by the Russo Brothers and is set to star none other than Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom. While specifics are scarce, there is one prevailing theory as to the reason why the iconic Iron Man actor has been recast as one of the Marvel Universe’s biggest villains. That said,a key joke made inDeadpool & Wolverinecombined with this casting news certainly highlights a critique that’s often been made about the MCUand its current “Multiverse Saga”.
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Deadpool References A Major MCU Critique At The TVA
The Problem With Variants
InDeadpool & Wolverine, theTime Variance Authority’s Mister Paradoxgives Wade Wilson a chance to leave his world of Earth-1005 (Fox’sX-Menuniverse) in favor of the main MCU reality known as Earth-616 aka the Sacred Timeline. In response, Wade asks if he’ll “marvel” at how “cinematic” it feels, confirming his awareness that he’s being asked to join the franchise of interconnected films by Marvel Studios. However,Deadpool also inquires if this is the same timeline known for its"indiscriminate use of variants", a humorous critique of the MCU’s predominant multiverse stories.
The multiverse concept has come to the forefront in the MCU following 2019’sAvengers: Endgamewith the dawn of the “Multiverse Saga”. Films such asSpider-Man: No Way Home,Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, andAnt-Man and the Wasp: Quantumaniahave allfeatured variants of known MCU characters from other realities, as have shows such asLokiandMarvel’s What If…?That being said, not all multiverse-heavy projects have been well received. As such,many have questioned Marvel’s arguable overuse of the variant concept, especially following projects that were perhaps lacking (hence Deadpool’s surprisingly poignant joke).
Deadpool’s “Variant” Joke Is Even Funnier After SDCC
Robert Downey Jr. Is Likely Playing A Tony Stark/Doom Variant
Deadpool’s variant joke is even more poignant following Marvel’s SDCC panel where they revealed that RDJ is playing Doctor Doom (only two days afterDeadpool & Wolverine’srelease). This is due to the many theories that Downey is playing some kind ofTony Stark variant who went dark, becoming Doctor Doom rather than Iron Man. If true,Deadpool’s joke immediately becomes funnier, making one wonder when exactly Ryan Reynolds and director Shawn Levy knew about RDJ’s casting. At the same time, it does make the common MCU multiverse complaint even worse for those who haven’t been enjoying the MCU’s current trajectory with variants and alt realities.
Deadpool & Wolverine
Cast
A follow-up to the highly successful Deadpool and Deadpool 2 films starring Ryan Reynolds as the Merc with a Mouth. The third film will be the first in the franchise to be developed under the Marvel Studios banner following Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox.
