With the possibility of countless spin-offs and sequels, superhero movies are typically a licence to print money. Think about Marvel Studios. Since Iron Man made its theatrical debut in 2008, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) franchise has released more than 30 films. In an environment that is bloated and, let’s face it, creatively dull, it takes something special to stand out. Deadpool was that movie.

Deadpool was like nothing I had seen before. The movie was a radical departure from the traditional superhero formula. When it was released back in 2016, it was stylish, creative, and jaw-achingly funny. It felt as if the genre had been reborn. Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick wrote a bold and brash script, paying close attention to how the character was written in the comics. It transformed Ryan Reynolds, an actor best known for romantic comedies, into a foul-mouthed, self-aware antihero. Deadpool didn’t just break the fourth wall, it smashed the box office as the 9th-highest-grossing film of the year.

Its success spawned a sequel a few years later. This time around, it was a more mediocre affair. The distinctive wit and snappy dialogue to which we had grown accustomed did not work. Deadpool felt like a parody of superhero movies, in contrast to the sequel, which seemed like a parody of the first film. Even though it’s not as good as the original, it’s still far superior to most of the superhero nonsense Hollywood churns out on a regular basis.

These two films were not part of the MCU – they were originally the property of 20th Century Fox. However, Disney, which owns Marvel, purchased Fox’s movie and TV rights in 2019. It makes sense, I’m sure, in terms of business. However, if Hollywood’s recent history is any indication, the acquisition leaves free expression hanging over the corporation’s head like a sword of Damocles.

Ironically, Deadpool may be the one to deliver the lethal blow.

In 2021, Ryan Reynolds revealed he would be joining the MCU on YouTube. In typical Reynolds fashion, he did so dressed as Deadpool while reacting to the trailer for his upcoming film, Free Guy. Fans started speculating as to whether a new movie was in the works. They didn’t have to wait long. A new video surfaced, this time without the costume, in which he casually revealed that a third film would be happening. Sitting beside him was Hugh Jackman, who confirmed he would be playing Wolverine. It’s official. Now titled Deadpool and Wolverine, it will be the 34th movie in the MCU universe and is scheduled for release in late July.

A few days ago, we got the first proper look at the movie when the trailer aired during a commercial break at the Super Bowl. Based on the video, we can expect a lot of corpses and a litany of jibes directed at Disney. The end implies a certain adamantium-clawed Australian might show up. I have to admit, for a Marvel movie, it looks pretty good. So what vexes me? It’s those three letters: MCU.

It looks like it might employ the multiverse nonsense. In other words, it’s playing with the cheat codes on. Logan was a beautiful send-off for Jackman. If it doesn’t get this right, I feel it will just be a simple act of fan service.

On one hand, Deadpool is the ideal character to make fun of and ridicule the progressive stupidity of the MCU. However, will its superiors grant it actual creative freedom, given its track record? Elon Musk published Disney’s bizarre list of requirements for diversity, equity, and inclusion in recruitment policy a few days ago. According to the document that Musk received from an anonymous insider, hiring decisions appear to be motivated by an applicant’s gender and race. It stipulates that writers, producers, and contractors from underrepresented groups must make up half of the workforce.

The more sceptical might see this as an act of cultural containment. When an external group threatens your authority – in this case, fans tired of progressive politics – you draw the subversive element closer, thereby acting as a pressure valve to release a little bit of energy. Specifically, in this case, unfavourable reviews. Disney has the perfect vehicle in Deadpool to keep its more vocal rivals in check.

In the trailer, Deadpool declares himself ‘Marvel Jesus’. Well, it’s going to take a miracle to save the MCU.