When ‘Deadpool and Wolverine‘ was in the early development stages, it had a very different storyline planned compared to what was seen in theaters. Test screenings and feedback from Marvel led the writers and director Shawn Levy to overhaul much of the plot.
The original plan would have given crucial context and set the stage very differently for Deadpool and Wolverine’s adventures across the multiverse. Here’s what was different about the story that turned out to be Marvel’s major hit of the year, and why it was altered.
How Was The Initial ‘Deadpool And Wolverine’ Script Different?
In the initial draft of ‘Deadpool and Wolverine‘, the movie was going to open with the Time Variance Authority arresting Deadpool for recklessly using Cable’s time travel device from ‘Deadpool 2‘. While imprisoned at the TVA, Wade would overhear the organization’s plans to recruit powerful beings known as Anchor Beings from across the multiverse.
Their goal was to create an army to battle the threat of the Kangs. Deadpool learns they intend to search for an alternate version of Logan, motivating his escape to find Wolverine first.
On the run, Deadpool steals a time machine to search for Wolverine. This would have provided the logical reason for their universe hopping instead of it being for laughs. As they travel, the two would bond while being pursued by TVA agents like Paradox. However, test audiences responded better to the looser, comedic structure seen in the final cut.
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Why Did Marvel Divert From The Original Script?
Eventually, the lead characters Deadpool and Wolverine still end up in The Void where all timelines converge. There, they would have battled Cassandra Nova, who sought to recruit Wolverines to her cause.
Johnny Storm’s quips about Nova in the theater version were originally how the climax played out. This darker ending was reworked for tone, focusing more on humor and fan service.
The post-credits scene from the original plan featured Deadpool returning to Avengers tower, hoping to finally meet Tony Stark. But like before, he is dismissed by Happy and rejected by the man in the metal suit, continuing Deadpool’s quest to find belonging. While humorous, Marvel felt it didn’t tease future stories effectively.
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