The cinematic spectacle “Deadpool & Wolverine” has finally graced theaters, with stars Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman saving their grandest media engagement for the end. The duo, joined by co-star Emma Corrin, director Shawn Levy, and Marvel chief Kevin Feige, surprised the Hall H audience at San Diego Comic-Con with an unexpected screening of the film, coinciding with its worldwide release. Spoilers ahead.
This special occasion, aptly named “The Ultimate Deadpool & Wolverine Celebration of Life,” capped off an exceptionally busy day for Reynolds, Jackman, and Levy, who traveled to San Diego posthaste from Los Angeles, following Feige’s Hollywood Walk of Fame Ceremony earlier in the day.
The ensemble ascended the stage individually, presenting what seemed like a typical Comic-Con panel. Reynolds fondly recalled his initial Comic-Con experience with the original “Deadpool” movie, expressing, “I was the most apprehensive person imaginable, stepping into what felt like a dream come true. I remember crafting that film for you, and how rewarding it was to see others enjoy it as much as I did.”
Continuing his reflection, Reynolds added, “I felt a profound connection with all of you, something I had long yearned for. I’ll never forget this moment, especially because this guy was lurking backstage,” he said, nodding to Jackman, who jumped in to complete the narrative.
Hugh Jackman recounted, “I was just over there, watching the footage, when the chant started: ‘One more time, one more time.’ I dashed backstage, found the stage manager, and insisted, ‘Play the footage again. If you don’t, they’re going to bring down Hall H.'”
After this nostalgic reminiscence, Reynolds introduced a clip featuring Leslie Uggams (as Blind Al) humorously quipping, “Can we skip the bullshit and just show the damn movie?”
The audience, filling the 6,500-seat hall, erupted in excitement at the announcement. The souvenirs they had received—Wolverine-head popcorn buckets, both coveted and humorously suggestive—suddenly made sense. As the auditorium dimmed, transforming into an impromptu theater, ushers distributed popcorn, and Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, Feige, and others settled into the audience.
Throughout the film’s two-hour runtime, the crowd reacted with enthusiasm to every significant moment, particularly enjoying the Easter eggs and in-jokes. However, the surprise cameos elicited the most exuberant responses, with each revelation causing the audience to cheer, which brought a beaming smile to Feige’s face.
As the credits rolled, the cast returned to the stage. Reynolds, visibly moved, described the experience as an “emotional honor and a privilege to stand here alongside the X-Man,” referring to Hugh Jackman. Hugh Jackman expressed that watching the film with the Hall H audience was one of the most extraordinary experiences of his life, offering heartfelt thanks to Levy and Reynolds for the opportunity to reprise his role.
The celebration didn’t end there; the duo invited the entire cameo cast on stage, including Dafne Keen, Jennifer Garner, Channing Tatum, Wesley Snipes, and Chris Evans, whom Reynolds humorously introduced as the Human Torch.
This “Deadpool & Wolverine” celebration was just the beginning of Marvel Studios’ Hall H festivities. Following the screening, the studio orchestrated a 10-minute drone and fireworks display over Petco Park, featuring formations of Deadpool and Wolverine, along with hints about future announcements, likely regarding “The Fantastic Four.”
For now, Marvel’s focus remains on “Deadpool & Wolverine” which also features Morena Baccarin, Rob Delaney, Leslie Uggams, Karan Soni, and Matthew Macfadyen. Early projections suggest the superhero threequel is set to break box office records, potentially earning between $160 million and $170 million from 4,200 North American theaters, surpassing 2016’s “Deadpool” opening of $132 million. However, the buzz, particularly around the surprise cameos, might push the three-day total to $190 million to $200 million. Disney invested approximately $200 million in production and another $100 million in promotion for the film.
Produced by Feige, Reynolds, Levy, and Lauren Shuler Donner, with Louis D’Esposito, Wendy Jacobson, George Dewey, Mary McLaglen, Josh McLaglen, Rhett Reese, Paul Wernick, and Simon Kinberg serving as executive producers, “Deadpool & Wolverine” was penned by Reynolds, Rhett Reese, Paul Wernick, Zeb Wells, and Levy.
