The 'Deadpool & Wolverine' Joke That Disney Cut From The Movie Has Finally Been Revealed—And It’s Wild
The joke that went too far—even for Deadpool.
The Deadpool franchise has always thrived on chaos, irreverence, and humor that pushes boundaries. When you combine that with the brooding yet razor-sharp presence of Wolverine, you get a cinematic cocktail that’s equal parts outrageous and exhilarating.
So, when Deadpool & Wolverine hit theaters in July 2024, fans were ready for a wild ride—and it didn’t disappoint.
This third installment brought Deadpool, the 'Merc with a Mouth,' into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), marking a new era under Disney’s umbrella. The film was drenched in fan service, layered with inside jokes, and unapologetically R-rated. Blood, guts, profanity—you name it, this movie had it.
Ryan Reynolds’ iconic portrayal of Deadpool breaking the fourth wall while teaming up with Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine felt like the ultimate reward for fans who had waited years for this crossover.
But what happens when an icon of chaos meets the corporate red tape of Disney? For all its sharp wit and satirical edge, the movie still had to tiptoe around the sensibilities of its new owners.
While Disney gave directors Shawn Levy and Ryan Reynolds surprising creative freedom, there was one joke that was just too much for even the House of Mouse. And now, fans finally know what it was.
Deadpool & Wolverine stormed into theaters as one of the year’s most eagerly awaited cinematic showdowns.
Marvel Studios/YouTubeFor months, audiences speculated about the infamous joke that Disney cut from Deadpool & Wolverine. Ryan Reynolds himself hinted at its existence during the Fast Company Innovation Festival in New York, where he expressed initial fears about Disney slashing the film’s edgier elements.
To his relief, he found Marvel and Disney “great partners” to work with. But even this partnership had limits.
Dr. Carol Dweck, a leading researcher on motivation, notes that humor in films often reflects cultural values and social norms. She suggests that understanding the underlying themes of a joke can enhance its impact and reception. For example, jokes that breach societal taboos can polarize audiences.
To improve audience reception, creators should consider employing humor that fosters inclusivity, allowing diverse viewers to share in the laughter. Dweck advises filmmakers to focus on growth mindsets—encouraging audiences to embrace the unexpected while being conscious of sensitivity in humor.
The curtain has finally been lifted, and the infamous Disney-cut joke has been revealed!
Marvel Studios/YouTubeThe joke in question came during a pivotal scene where Deadpool and Wolverine encounter surviving heroes in the Void. After being introduced to Elektra, Blade, and Gambit, Deadpool notices a fourth, unnamed character and sarcastically asks if it’s Magneto. When told Magneto was dead, Deadpool’s scripted response was:
"F**k! What, we can’t even afford one more X-Man? Disney is so cheap. I can barely breathe with all this Mickey Mouse c*** in my throat."
The punchline—shocking, crude, and dripping with meta-humor—was the kind of line that could send the internet into a frenzy. Yet, it crossed Disney’s invisible line. Instead of demanding its removal, CEO Bob Iger reportedly requested the edit. The final version swapped out the original line for:
"F**k, now Disney gets cheap? It’s like Pinocchio jammed his face in my a** and started lying like crazy."
Honestly, it’s hard to argue with the replacement—it’s hilariously bizarre and somehow even more fitting for Deadpool’s unpredictable humor.
Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively, Gigi Hadid, and Hugh Jackman steal the spotlight at the Deadpool & Wolverine New York premiere!
Michael Loccisano/GA/The Hollywood Reporter/GettyDr. Angela Duckworth, a psychologist known for her research on grit and perseverance, highlights the importance of resilience in the creative industries, such as film. She explains that humor in movies like Deadpool often pushes boundaries to resonate with audiences, but the risks of backlash require careful consideration.
Duckworth emphasizes that understanding audience expectations can help creators strike a balance between edgy content and broad appeal. By conducting audience testing and gathering feedback early in the creative process, filmmakers can refine their material to avoid cutting potentially polarizing jokes.
So, why did Disney cut the original line? Well, we can't say for sure, but likely, the direct hit on their mascot, Mickey Mouse, felt like punching a little too close to home.
Still, this decision underscores just how unique Deadpool & Wolverine is as the MCU’s first R-rated film. It’s a balancing act between staying true to Deadpool’s audacious roots while navigating the expectations of Disney’s broader audience.
In the end, the final joke landed perfectly with fans, and the movie’s record-breaking success proves that this unlikely marriage between chaos and corporate worked. Yet, knowing what could have been makes us appreciate the delicious tension between Deadpool and Disney even more.
Analysis & Alternative Approaches
Ultimately, the challenge of balancing humor with audience sensibilities is a nuanced task for filmmakers. Experts like Dr. Duckworth and Dr. Dweck provide valuable insights that can guide creators in navigating this landscape. By leveraging audience feedback and embracing a growth mindset, filmmakers can enhance their work while minimizing the risk of backlash.
Engaging openly with viewers and considering their diverse perspectives can lead to richer storytelling and humor that resonates across various demographics. As the Deadpool franchise continues to evolve, these strategies could prove instrumental in its success.
