Paigi "A Familiar Character Combination as a New Starting Point"

Marvel Proves New Possibilities with 'Deadpool and Wolverine'
"'Fantastic 4' New Film Also Connected to 'Avengers'"

The movie ‘Deadpool and Wolverine’ ranks second in the global box office this year (approximately $630 million). It has proven new possibilities for Marvel Studios, whose popularity had waned after ‘Avengers: Endgame (2019).’ The key is the combination of familiar characters. In live-action films, Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds) was confined to his own world. The same applied to Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) from the ‘X-Men’ series.

The Walt Disney Company judged that the interaction between the two characters could lead to renewed interest. They focused on clearly defining each role’s unique traits while recreating impressive scenes from the original works and past productions.

Kevin Feige, president of Marvel Studios, who led the synergy effect, cited Wolverine’s yellow suit as a prime example. Participating via video call at the ‘Disney Content Showcase 2024’ held on the 20th (local time) at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, he said, “I was thrilled to be able to put on the (original comic’s) yellow suit for the first time in 25 years. Facing it directly on set gave me goosebumps.”

Marvel Studios will fully implement this strategy starting next year. Feige expressed confidence, saying, “I’m looking forward to ‘Fantastic 4: First Step,’ which finishes filming next week, just as much as ‘Deadpool and Wolverine.’ It will be interesting to watch as it connects with the ‘Avengers’ universe.”

‘Fantastic 4’ has been adapted into films four times so far but failed at the box office each time. This was because it did not fully capture the fun of the original comic.

After acquiring 21st Century Fox and securing the intellectual property (IP), the Walt Disney Company did not leave it as is. They set the story against the backdrop of the 1960s space race, which thrilled not only the U.S. but the world, aiming to evoke nostalgia among older generations. Emphasizing retro-futurism (a creative art trend influenced by futurism popular in the 1960s), they crafted a new story. The combination with the already solidly popular ‘Avengers’ universe serves as a kind of insurance.

Feige explained, “The strength of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (the superhero universe produced by Marvel Studios) lies in its continuity. Within that, there are new starting points. You can place familiar characters in different universes or enrich stories by exploring the backstories of central characters.”

The changes are not limited to characters. The stages where heroes operate will also diversify in the future. Asia is at the center. He said, “It is the future of Marvel Studios,” adding, “We plan to carry out various projects, including filming movies in South Korea and Japan.” He continued, “We also plan to expand touchpoints with Marvel Cinematic Universe characters by installing new rides at Disneyland parks in Tokyo, Shanghai, and Hong Kong, and operating cruises in Singapore.”