Marvel’s Kevin Feige Had To Have A Humorously NSFW Conversation With His Co-Workers Thanks To Deadpool And Wolverine
It’s no secret that new ground is being broken with the upcoming Marvel movie Deadpool & Wolverine. After a decade of exclusively producing family-friendly fare, Marvel Studios is now preparing to release its first R-rated feature, and there are no punches being pulled, as previews have featured some outrageous language, violence, and innuendo.
Naturally, the movie (featuring an all-star cast led by Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman) has fans super excited, but there has been one negative side effect behind the scenes: Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige found himself in the position where he needed to explain certain NSFW jokes to his co-workers.
In a recent interview with Variety just ahead of Deadpool & Wolverine‘s release later this month, Feige revealed that he was personally in the know about certain adults-only material that is included for laughs in Deadpool & Wolverine, but the same couldn’t be said about everyone presently employed by Marvel Studios. Said the executive,
“I had to have a conversation with some of our executives, and I’m not going to name names, but there were a few who were like, ‘Wait, what?’ And I’m like, ‘Well, you know, it’s a Deadpool movie. It’s rated R. There’s going to be some stuff in there that you might not be used to seeing in a Marvel movie.’ And they were like, ‘Oh, okay. I guess I’m not used to seeing that.’ So, it was a bit of a learning curve for some people.”
For those of you who need a bit of a refresher course here: pegging is joked about in the first Deadpool movie during the sex montage that includes a special celebration of International Women’s Day. As for the first Deadpool & Wolverine trailer, Ryan Reynolds’ Wade Wilson drops a line about it when TVA Agents show up at his door and whip out their Time Sticks (he even breaks the fourth wall noting that it’s new material for Marvel Studios). You can rewatch it below.
I don’t think it’s super hard to have empathy with Kevin Feige in this circumstance. If an adult person doesn’t know what pegging is, that suggests a certain level of innocence that is pretty rare here in the year 2024, and explaining it (especially in a work environment) presumably requires some exceptionally delicate language and phrasing. I can imagine a lot of similar discussions happening all around the country later this month in cases where parents take their too-young kids/teens to see Deadpool & Wolverine and questions are asked and uncomfortably answered during the car ride home.
The Challenges of Navigating NSFW Humor in the Workplace
While Kevin Feige’s situation might seem humorous, it highlights a very real challenge that many workplaces face when trying to navigate NSFW humor. The line between what’s considered acceptable and what’s not can be blurry, and what might be funny to one person could be offensive to another. This can lead to awkward situations, misunderstandings, and even conflict.
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In Feige’s case, he was likely trying to avoid offending his colleagues while also explaining the context of the joke. This is a delicate balancing act, and it’s one that many managers and executives have to perform on a regular basis. The key is to be clear, respectful, and avoid making assumptions about what your colleagues might or might not find offensive.
If you’re ever unsure about whether something is appropriate to say in the workplace, it’s always best to err on the side of caution. And if you do find yourself in a situation where you need to explain a joke, be sure to do so in a way that is both informative and respectful. Remember, the goal is to create a workplace where everyone feels comfortable and respected, regardless of their sense of humor.
The Importance of Setting Clear Expectations
One of the best ways to avoid awkward situations like Feige’s is to set clear expectations about appropriate workplace behavior. This includes having a clear policy on what types of humor are acceptable and what types are not. This policy should be communicated to all employees and enforced consistently. By establishing clear guidelines, you can help to create a workplace culture where everyone feels comfortable and respected.
It’s also important to foster a culture of open communication. Encourage employees to speak up if they feel uncomfortable with something that’s been said or done. This will help to ensure that any issues are addressed promptly and effectively. Remember, the goal is to create a workplace where everyone feels safe and respected. By setting clear expectations and fostering open communication, you can help to create a more inclusive and productive work environment.
The Impact of Pop Culture on Workplace Humor
The rise of pop culture, particularly movies like Deadpool & Wolverine, has undoubtedly influenced the way we think about humor in the workplace. In a world where R-rated comedies are becoming increasingly mainstream, it’s no surprise that some of this humor is finding its way into the office. However, it’s important to remember that what might be funny in a movie theater isn’t necessarily appropriate for the workplace.
The workplace should be a professional environment where everyone feels comfortable and respected. This means that employees should be mindful of the language they use and the jokes they tell. If you’re unsure about whether something is appropriate, it’s always best to err on the side of caution. By being mindful of the impact of your words and actions, you can help to create a more positive and productive work environment for everyone.
The Role of Humor in the Workplace
While it’s important to be mindful of the potential pitfalls of NSFW humor, it’s also important to acknowledge the role that humor can play in the workplace. Humor can help to build relationships, relieve stress, and boost morale. A good laugh can go a long way in making the workday more enjoyable.
However, it’s important to strike a balance. Humor should be used in a way that is respectful and inclusive. Avoid making jokes that are offensive, discriminatory, or sexually suggestive. And be sure to consider your audience before you tell a joke. What might be funny to one person could be offensive to another. By using humor responsibly, you can create a more enjoyable and productive work environment for everyone.
Conclusion
Kevin Feige’s experience with Deadpool & Wolverine is a reminder that navigating NSFW humor in the workplace can be tricky. While it’s important to be mindful of the potential pitfalls, it’s also important to acknowledge the role that humor can play in the workplace. By setting clear expectations, fostering open communication, and using humor responsibly, you can create a more inclusive and enjoyable work environment for everyone.
What prompted Marvel’s Kevin Feige to have a humorously NSFW conversation with his co-workers?
Kevin Feige had to explain certain NSFW jokes in the upcoming Deadpool & Wolverine movie to his co-workers due to its R-rated content, including references to pegging.
What was the reaction of some Marvel Studios executives when they learned about the content of Deadpool & Wolverine?
Some executives were surprised and needed clarification from Kevin Feige about the R-rated and unconventional content in the movie, as it deviated from Marvel’s usual family-friendly productions.
What specific adult-themed joke is mentioned in the first Deadpool movie that Kevin Feige had to address with his co-workers?
The joke about pegging is referenced in the first Deadpool movie during a sex montage, celebrating International Women’s Day, which Kevin Feige had to explain to some of his colleagues.
How did Kevin Feige handle the situation of explaining NSFW content to his co-workers in the workplace?
Kevin Feige delicately addressed the unfamiliar NSFW jokes and content in Deadpool & Wolverine with his co-workers, acknowledging the learning curve for some individuals not accustomed to such material in Marvel movies.
