‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ Director Says The Film Is “More Emotional” Than The Previous 2 Films

A lot of fans of the “Deadpool” franchise are excited to see the character interact with elements of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, they’re also a bit concerned about what an MCU version of a “Deadpool” film might look like. Well, according to director Shawn Levy, it’s a much more emotional film than the previous two.

READ MORE: Ryan Reynolds Plays Coy About Deadpool Showing Up In An ‘Avengers’ Film: “We’ll See”

Speaking on the Official Marvel Podcast, Shawn Levy talked about his work on “Deadpool & Wolverine.” He started by making sure fans realize that this isn’t “Deadpool 3.” This is very much a co-headline situation for Ryan Reynolds’ Wade Wilson.

“This is not called ‘Deadpool 3,’” said Levy. “There’s a reason this is not called ‘Deadpool 3’ because it’s very much ‘Deadpool and Wolverine.’ And that is the defining trait and premise of this picture.”

As for why this film does a bit more emotional work than previous “Deadpool” films, Levy said that it really revolves around what the character’s M.O. is. He’s not a superhero, in the strictest sense of the word. He’s not selflessly stopping bank robbers or fighting intergalactic alien forces. He’s only really interested in saving his found family. And when the stakes are his family, that creates a much more emotional experience.

READ MORE: New ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ TV Spot Confirms A Wolverine & Sabertooth Face-Off On July 26

“Wade’s world is eight people,” he added. “If you’re Wade Wilson, the stakes are not ‘Oh, I’m going to do the noble thing and save the universe,’ it’s ‘I’m going to do the thing I’m compelled to do, which is save my friends because my friends are my world.’ So, bringing back those O.G. ‘Deadpool’ franchise characters was non-negotiable. It was built into our ideas in the very first story meetings… Certainly, we’re going for things that are more emotional than those first two movies.”

It’ll be interesting to see if Levy and Co. are able to back up that promise. Honestly, if “Deadpool & Wolverine” is going to be massively successful, it’ll have to be because of the story and not relying on cheap cameos. And that’s the concern, right? Can Levy, Reynolds, and Hugh Jackman create something with enough heart and soul to resonate with fans? We’ll just have to wait and see.

“Deadpool & Wolverine” arrives in theaters on July 26.