Introduction
Many fans of both the Deadpool and the Avengers franchises were left wondering why none of the characters from the X-Men franchise appeared in Avengers: Infinity War or Endgame. This article delves into the complex reasons behind this absence, exploring the legal and production issues surrounding character rights and the storytelling contexts of each.
Why Deadpool Wasn't in Infinity War or Endgame
The absence of Deadpool in Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame can be attributed to legal and narrative reasons. Deadpool (along with other X-Men characters) is owned by 20th Century Fox, while the Avengers are owned by Disney. At the time, Fox had the exclusive rights to use these characters, preventing their inclusion in the early MCU films.
The conflict between these two major franchises was not an easy one, especially given the ongoing acquisition of 20th Century Fox by Disney. However, by the time the rights issues were resolved, the scripts for Deadpool 2 and the last two Avengers films had already been completed, making it too late to alter the narratives.
Behind the Scenes - The Rights and Franchise Deals
The story goes that Deadpool and the X-Men were a key part of the asset swap that allowed 20th Century Fox to stay financially afloat in the 1990s. The bankrupt Marvel Comics needed a quick cash injection, and selling these characters to Fox provided just that. This deal meant that for several decades, Fox had the exclusive rights to the X-Men, including Deadpool.
By the time the rights to these characters reverted to Disney in 2019, the scripts and production of Deadpool 2 and the Avengers: Endgame were already underway. This timing issue was a significant challenge for both franchises to align.
Speculation and Future Plans
While Deadpool and the X-Men were initially excluded from the MCU, recent trailers and upcoming announcements suggest that these characters are set to feature more prominently in future MCU projects. In fact, it is speculated that these upcoming films might even incorporate characters from other franchises that were previously separate.
For instance, the involvement of the Time Variance Authority (TVA) in the upcoming films, as hinted by Loki in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, brings about the possibility of incorporating other major heroes into the MCU. Furthermore, there are rumors suggesting that not only Loki, but other Avengers could also appear in these films.
Upcoming Inclusion of Deadpool
Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox has paved the way for the long-awaited inclusion of Deadpool in the main Marvel Cinematic Universe. With the upcoming movie release on the 26th, fans can already start purchasing tickets. This marks a significant shift in the dynamic between these two franchises, bringing Deadpool into the larger MCU family.
Important Note: The upcoming movie signifies the integration of Deadpool into the MCU, ensuring that his unique brand of humor and dialogue will resonate with a broader audience. This aligns with the MCU's evolution from a PG-13 series to a more mature setting, catering to new and existing fans alike.
Conclusion
The absence of Deadpool in Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame is a product of complex business arrangements and timing issues. However, with the resolution of rights and the inclusion of Deadpool in upcoming MCU films, fans can look forward to a more interconnected and diverse Marvel universe. Stay tuned for more updates and enjoy the cinematic experience as it unfolds.