How ‘Deadpool and Wolverine’ fits into the X-Men movies’ messy timeline
The X-Men movie universe has a reputation for being a tangled web of timelines, a reputation well-deserved. The franchise has seen its fair share of time-traveling shenanigans, alternate realities, and continuity hiccups. However, things got even messier with the introduction of Deadpool and Wolverine into the mix, with their own unique storylines and connections to the broader X-Men franchise. So, how do these two iconic characters fit into the convoluted timeline of the X-Men films? Well, let’s dive into the chaos and unravel the complexities.
The film, in essence, resets the entire X-Men timeline as we know it, erasing the past continuity before our eyes and yielding the ’80s- and ’90s-set sequels X-Men: Apocalypse (2016) and Dark Phoenix (2019). This means that the original X-Men trilogy (X-Men, X2: X-Men United, and X-Men: The Last Stand) is now considered a separate timeline, distinct from the one established by X-Men: First Class and its subsequent sequels. This split in timelines is a result of the time-traveling shenanigans of the X-Men in X-Men: Days of Future Past, where they travel back to the past to prevent a dystopian future. This event effectively creates two parallel timelines, one where the original trilogy exists, and another where the new X-Men films, including Deadpool and Wolverine, take place.
Understanding the placement of Deadpool and Wolverine in the X-Men films’ convoluted timeline requires us to consider the complexities of both characters’ individual stories and their connections to the broader X-Men universe. Deadpool, a character with a unique sense of humor and a penchant for breaking the fourth wall, made his debut in 2016. His film, Deadpool, is set in the same timeline as X-Men: Days of Future Past and its subsequent sequels. This means that the events of Deadpool occur after the X-Men’s time-travel exploits, in a world where the future has been altered for the better. However, the film also has its own unique time-traveling shenanigans.
Deadpool 2, released in 2018, further adds to the complexity of the timeline. The film features a time-traveling character named Cable, who comes from the future to prevent the death of a young mutant. Cable’s presence in the present day, along with the events of Deadpool 2, create their own set of time-traveling paradoxes, making it even harder to pinpoint the exact location of these films in the overall X-Men timeline. So, where does Deadpool fit into the timeline? It’s complicated but, in essence, it’s set about a year prior to Avengers: Infinity War. Wade’s bid to join the team proves unsuccessful, before we skip six years ahead to Earth-10005. This means we’re roughly in March 2024, which is after Avengers: Endgame and before Spider-Man: Far From Home and The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.
Wolverine, on the other hand, has a more convoluted history within the X-Men films. His first appearance was in X-Men Origins: Wolverine, a prequel film that depicts his early life and the origins of his powers. This film is considered a part of the original timeline, separate from the new timeline established by X-Men: First Class. However, the film’s portrayal of Wolverine’s origin story was met with mixed reception.
The next film featuring Wolverine was The Wolverine, released in 2013. This film is a sequel to X-Men Origins: Wolverine and X-Men: The Last Stand, meaning that it takes place in the original X-Men timeline. It also introduces Yukio, a later version of whom would appear in Deadpool 2. However, the events of The Wolverine are not directly connected to the new timeline, making it a standalone story within the original timeline.
Exploring the Connection Between Deadpool and Wolverine
The relationship between Deadpool and Wolverine in the movies, while intriguing, is not as deep as the one found in the comics. Their connection primarily stemmed from X-Men Origins: Wolverine, where Deadpool appeared as a mercenary who crossed paths with Wolverine. While the film was criticized for its portrayal of both characters, it established a foundation for their dynamic. The relationship between the two is further explored in the Deadpool films.
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In the comics, Wolverine and Deadpool have a long history. Both characters have been entangled in a complex web of relationships and conflicts, their interactions often characterized by a mix of camaraderie and antagonism. It is revealed in the comics that Wolverine and Deadpool share a connection through a shadowy group called “The Weapon X Program,” which gave Logan (a.k.a. Wolverine) his Adamantium skeleton. This same group is responsible for giving Wade Wilson (a.k.a. Deadpool) his powers. When Wade was battling cancer, they grafted Wolverine’s healing factor onto Deadpool’s DNA. This connection, stemming from their shared history with the Weapon X Program, adds layers of complexity to their relationship, making their interactions in the comics more nuanced and meaningful.
However, the connection between the two characters in the movies is not as deeply explored as it is in the comics. The Deadpool films acknowledge the shared history between these characters, referencing the Weapon X Program and the origin of Deadpool’s powers, but they do not delve into the intricacies of their relationship as deeply as the comics do. Instead, the films focus on their comedic dynamic, portraying them as friends who engage in playful banter and often find themselves in humorous situations together.
Understanding the Timeline: A Guide to Watching the X-Men Films
With the X-Men movie universe being a labyrinth of timelines, it can be difficult to keep track of the order in which to watch the films. If you’re looking to understand the X-Men films’ timeline and follow the stories of Deadpool and Wolverine, here’s a guide to watch the films in chronological order. Note that this order focuses primarily on the new timeline established by X-Men: First Class, as the original timeline is considered a separate entity.
- X-Men: First Class (2011)
- X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014)
- X-Men: Apocalypse (2016)
- X-Men: Dark Phoenix (2019)
- Deadpool (2016)
- Deadpool 2 (2018)
This list only comprises the films in the new timeline. The original X-Men trilogy (X-Men, X2: X-Men United, and X-Men: The Last Stand), along with X-Men Origins: Wolverine and The Wolverine, are considered separate entities and can be watched in their own order. However, if you’re looking to fully immerse yourself in the new timeline and understand the connections between Deadpool and Wolverine, this guide is a great place to start.
The X-Men universe, with its tangled web of timelines and alternate realities, can be a daunting experience for newcomers. But, by understanding the complexities and interconnectedness of these films, you can navigate this world of mutant mayhem with ease. So, grab your popcorn, buckle up, and prepare to explore the chaotic yet exciting world of the X-Men, where the lines between timelines blur, and the future is constantly in flux. Who knows, you might even find yourself becoming an expert in X-Men timeline trivia.
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How do Deadpool and Wolverine fit into the X-Men movies’ messy timeline?
Deadpool and Wolverine exist in a separate timeline from the original X-Men trilogy, established by X-Men: First Class and its sequels, due to the time-traveling events of X-Men: Days of Future Past.
What is the connection between Deadpool and the broader X-Men universe?
Deadpool’s film is set in the same timeline as X-Men: Days of Future Past and its sequels, occurring after the X-Men’s time-travel exploits altered the future for the better.
How does Deadpool 2 contribute to the complexity of the X-Men timeline?
Deadpool 2 introduces a time-traveling character named Cable, who comes from the future to prevent the death of a young mutant, further complicating the timeline.
Why is there a split in timelines within the X-Men movie universe?
The split in timelines is a result of the time-traveling events in X-Men: Days of Future Past, where the X-Men travel back to the past to prevent a dystopian future, creating two parallel timelines.
