‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ Features Palisadian Producer, Actress

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

The Marvel Cinematic Universe continues to unfold with “Deadpool & Wolverine”—produced by Palisadian Kevin Feige and featuring a role filled by fellow Palisadian Jennifer Garner—set to release in theaters on Friday, July 26.

Ryan Reynolds will reprise his role of Wade Wilson (aka Deadpool—who has accelerated healing but lives with scarring after undergoing an experimental mutation to treat cancer) and Hugh Jackman will return as James “Logan” Howlett (Wolverine—a “mutant” with the ability to heal, claws that retract and an adamantium-infused skeleton).

“Wolverine is recovering from his injuries when he crosses paths with the loudmouth Deadpool,” according to a synopsis on IMDb. “They team up to defeat a common enemy.”

The film is reportedly a sequel to “Deadpool” (2016) and “Deadpool 2” (2018). It is directed by Shawn Levy, and produced by Feige, Reynolds, Levy and Lauren Shuler Donner.

“Something shifted inside Hugh that gave him clarity about what this pairing could be,” Levy said to The Ringer about Jackman’s decision to return to the role of Wolverine after previously retiring from the world of Marvel. “He wanted it in his life and he wanted it for this character.”

In the beginning of the final trailer for the film, Reynolds’ character tells Jackman’s: “I waited a long time for this team up.”

The cast also will include Emma Corrin in the role of Cassandra Nova (who has telekinetic and telepathic powers) and Matthew Macfadyen as Mr. Paradox (an agent with the Time Variance Authority who is tasked with overseeing a project).

Several actors will also reprise their roles from previous “Deadpool” films, including Morena Baccarin, Rob Delaney, Leslie Uggams, Karan Soni, Brianna Hildebrand, Stafan Kapičić, Shioli Kutsuna, Randal Reeder and Lewis Tan.

Garner will reprise her role of Elektra Natchios—an assassin from previous Fox-produced Marvel films “Elektra” (2005) and “Daredevil” (2003).

“Deadpool & Wolverine” is rated R—a first for the Marvel Cinematic Universe since it was acquired by Walt Disney Studios. The two previous “Deadpool” films were released under 20th Century Fox.

“I think it gets a lot of attention that this is our first R-rated movie, but it is the third R-rated Deadpool movie,” Feige told Deadline, “so we wanted to stay true to what Ryan has built over those last couple of movies and we weren’t going to undo that.”