Kevin Feige’s Yellow Suit Mandate: A Look at the MCU’s R-Rated Dive with ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’
The world of Marvel is about to get a whole lot wilder, and it’s all thanks to one man’s unwavering vision: Kevin Feige. The Marvel Studios president, known for his meticulous attention to detail and the grand tapestry he’s woven with the Marvel Cinematic Universe, has set his sights on a new frontier – an R-rated, irreverent, and undeniably awesome adventure with ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’. This film marks a significant turning point for the MCU, pushing the boundaries of what audiences have come to expect from Marvel films.
At the heart of this exciting change lies a simple, yet powerful, mandate from Feige: Hugh Jackman, the iconic Australian actor who embodies the gruff and brooding Wolverine, must don the character’s most iconic costume – the yellow suit. It’s a decision that embodies Feige’s commitment to staying true to the source material, even if it means defying the conventions of the past.
“When we told Kevin that Hugh was in, the first thing I remember him saying was, ‘OK, but he’s finally wearing the yellow suit,’” recalls Shawn Levy, the writer-director of ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’. The sentiment echoed through the production team, with Levy adding, “We immediately responded, ‘Hell fucking yes.’”
This insistence on the yellow suit speaks volumes about Feige’s evolution as a studio head. He’s moved beyond the days when studio executives shied away from something as “bright and silly” as fluorescent Spandex, opting for the more subdued black leather.
“Hugh Jackman having never appeared in the character’s most iconic suit is like being Superman in 10 movies and never wearing the Superman costume,” Feige explains. “It’s a testament to Wolverine that it didn’t necessarily matter; the character is more than the costume.”
But now, as the architect of the MCU, Feige is making sure that iconic details, however seemingly trivial, are honored. He’s taking a bold step towards embracing the full spectrum of the Marvel universe, and that includes the wacky, the irreverent, and the downright outrageous.
The MCU’s R-rated Debut: A Bold New Era of Storytelling
‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ is not only about a long-awaited reunion of two beloved characters; it’s the first time that mutants, previously licensed to 20th Century Fox, will be fully integrated into the MCU. And to top it all off, it’s the first R-rated entry in the franchise, a clear departure from the PG-13 family-friendly fare that has defined the MCU for over a decade.
This R-rating opens up a world of possibilities for ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’, allowing for a level of humor, violence, and adult themes that would be impossible within the confines of a PG-13 rating. The film will now be able to tap into the raw, unflinching, and often hilarious tone that has made Deadpool such a beloved character.
This daring move reflects a shift in the MCU’s approach to storytelling. Feige is no longer content with playing it safe. He’s willing to embrace the darker, more mature aspects of the Marvel universe, acknowledging that the audience has matured alongside the franchise.
“This is the biggest entertainment company in the world for 100 years. You should be so lucky to Disney-fy everything!” Feige asserts, addressing the fear of Disney-fying, or sanitizing, the Marvel characters. “But what people mean by that is shaving down the rough edges. We were open to everything.”
The film’s R-rated status allows for a greater exploration of Deadpool’s signature brand of fourth-wall-breaking humor, including his signature penchant for pushing boundaries and making jokes that might raise eyebrows.
“Ryan is known for obscure jokes and deep-cut references,” says Feige. “I know what you’re alluding to, and I’m not going to get into it. I’m an adult. I know all the references.”
The Cocaine Joke: A Glimpse into Feige’s Approach to Humor
One particular joke that has generated buzz is a line in the trailer where Deadpool quips about cocaine. Feige, while not explicitly forbidding the joke, did acknowledge that he found it a bit tired, a reflection of his personal preference for humor.
“I didn’t say they couldn’t,” Feige reveals. “But we were talking about everybody always being afraid of Disney-fying things…. We were open to everything. I had said there were some things that we could evolve. After about the 28th time you do a joke, sometimes it’s not as funny. Maybe I’m slightly prudish when it comes to drug use. But I was like ‘Eh, it’s not that funny’ in passing. Ryan, of course, stores everything in his brain for later use as excellent jokes. And he added it to the script.”
This anecdote offers a fascinating glimpse into Feige’s approach to humor. He’s not afraid to express his preferences, but he’s also willing to trust his creative team to push the boundaries of what’s acceptable in the MCU. The inclusion of the cocaine joke, a decision that ultimately rested with Ryan Reynolds, demonstrates how the R-rating allows for a more nuanced and playful exploration of humor.
‘Deadpool & Wolverine’: More Than Just a Movie, a Catalyst for Change
‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ is more than just a movie; it’s a catalyst for change in the MCU. It’s a bold statement that the franchise is ready to evolve, to embrace the darker, more mature aspects of the Marvel universe.
“Almost everything was on the table,” Feige explains about the conversations with Shawn Levy and Ryan Reynolds. “From Ryan’s point of view, this movie was all about No. 1, Deadpool and Wolverine together for the first time, and No. 2, the exploration of Deadpool and his cast of characters when they have access to this entire other timeline of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.”
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The film promises to be a wild ride, a blend of action, humor, and heart, filled with the kind of irreverence and attitude that only Deadpool can bring to the table. And with Wolverine by his side, the possibilities are endless.
The integration of mutants into the MCU is a monumental event, and Feige is not shy about his excitement. “It felt almost like destiny,” Feige says, reflecting on the acquisition of 20th Century Fox’s Marvel IP.” All those Fox characters were ones I’d never dreamed of having back purely under the fold of Marvel Studios. So when that happened, it was a giant surprise and a huge opportunity. The Fantastic Four and X-Men alone make a colossal portion of our comic universe that we now have access to for films and shows.”
‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ is a testament to Feige’s vision and his willingness to push boundaries. It’s a film that promises to be a game-changer for the MCU, a bold step into a new era of storytelling. And with the inclusion of mutants, the R-rating, and the indelible mark of Deadpool’s irreverent humor, the future of the MCU is looking brighter and bolder than ever before.
What is Kevin Feige’s mandate regarding Hugh Jackman and the yellow Wolverine suit in the MCU?
Kevin Feige has mandated that Hugh Jackman must finally wear the iconic yellow Wolverine suit in the upcoming ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ film, marking a significant change in the MCU’s approach to staying true to the character’s source material.
How does Kevin Feige’s insistence on the yellow suit reflect his evolution as a studio head?
Kevin Feige’s insistence on the yellow suit showcases his commitment to honoring iconic details of characters, even if they were previously considered too bright or silly by studio executives. It signifies a shift towards embracing the full spectrum of the Marvel universe.
What does Kevin Feige’s decision to include R-rated content in ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ signify for the MCU?
Kevin Feige’s decision to include R-rated content in ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ marks a bold step towards pushing the boundaries of what audiences expect from Marvel films, embracing a more irreverent and outrageous tone in the MCU.
How does Kevin Feige’s approach to the MCU differ from past conventions regarding superhero costumes?
Kevin Feige’s approach to the MCU differs from past conventions by prioritizing authenticity to the source material, as seen in his insistence on Hugh Jackman wearing the yellow Wolverine suit, despite previous trends favoring more subdued costumes like black leather.
