
Deadpool 2 (2018) is a bigger, bloodier and more emotionally unpredictable entry in the X-Men universe. With a new director at the helm and a bigger budget, it leans into its chaotic humour while offering more grounded character development.
Production and Direction
Director David Leitch (John Wick, Atomic Blonde) took over from Tim Miller, bringing tighter action and stylised violence. Filming took place in Vancouver, with reshoots focusing on expanding Cable and Domino’s screen time. Ryan Reynolds returned as both star and producer, also contributing to the script alongside Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick.
Cast and Characters
- Ryan Reynolds – Wade Wilson / Deadpool
- Josh Brolin – Cable
- Zazie Beetz – Domino
- Julian Dennison – Russell / Firefist
- Morena Baccarin – Vanessa
- Brianna Hildebrand – Negasonic Teenage Warhead
- Stefan Kapičić (voice) – Colossus
- Supporting: T.J. Miller, Leslie Uggams, Karan Soni
Plot Summary (Spoiler-Free)
After suffering a personal tragedy, Wade joins the X-Men as a trainee and crosses paths with a troubled mutant boy named Russell. When the cybernetic soldier Cable arrives from the future to eliminate Russell, Deadpool forms a team called the X-Force to intervene. The plot mixes emotional stakes with absurdist comedy, layered over intense action.
Comic vs Film: Accuracy and Differences
Cable’s origins in the comics are far more complex, involving clones and lineage from the Summers family. The film simplifies this, focusing on his grief and mission. Domino’s probability powers are visualised in creative ways that outdo most comic adaptations. Deadpool remains true to his comic roots, chaotic, sarcastic, and constantly breaking the fourth wall.
Deadpool 2 vs the First Film
Feature | Deadpool (2016) | Deadpool 2 (2018) |
---|---|---|
Budget | ~$58 million | ~$110 million |
Director | Tim Miller | David Leitch |
Main Theme | Revenge | Redemption & found family |
Action Style | Raw and fast | Stylised, polished, more varied |
Humour | Crude, self-aware | Cruder, more meta, more daring |
The sequel expands its scope, deepens its characters, and refines the action. It loses some of the original’s underdog energy but makes up for it with broader storytelling.
Combat and Choreography
Fight scenes are crisper, more physical, and better staged. Cable’s brute-force tactics contrast well with Deadpool’s agility and improvisation. Domino’s action sequences are particularly inventive, using her “luck” in clever ways during high-stakes moments. The X-Force’s mid-air disaster scene is a standout for its mix of comedy and action.
Swords and Weaponry
Deadpool’s dual katanas feature heavily once again. They are used in:
- Close quarters: dismemberments, decapitations, grapples
- Bullet redirection: deflecting incoming fire, though exaggerated for comic effect
- Blended combat: switching between blades and guns mid-fight
The choreography remains flashy, but there’s a sharper rhythm to the way the swords are integrated into fights.
Best Quotes from Deadpool 2
“You’re so dark. Are you sure you’re not from the DC Universe?”
“Maximum effort.”
“I don’t kid. And Cable, he’s not a kid.”
“X-Force is gender-neutral!”
“I may be super, but I’m no hero.”
These lines have cemented themselves in pop culture and are endlessly quoted across forums and fan pages.
Critical Reception
- Rotten Tomatoes: 84%
- Metacritic: 66/100
- Audience response: Largely positive
Critics praised its ability to balance crude humour with genuine emotional moments. Josh Brolin and Zazie Beetz were highlighted as strong additions.
Fandom Legacy
Deadpool 2 expanded the character’s world without losing his core. It set the stage for a possible X-Force spin-off, deepened the fandom’s investment, and proved the viability of R-rated superhero films. The time-travel post-credit gag sequence alone boosted its reputation among fans as one of the smartest comedic endings in any Marvel-adjacent title.
Where to Watch Deadpool 2 (UK)
- Streaming: Available on Disney+ (under Star)
- Rent/Buy: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, YouTube Movies, Google Play
Check platforms for availability depending on your region or subscription.
Watch the trailer: