Deadpool & Wolverine has one strange cameo we just don’t get

Deadpool & Wolverine has one strange cameo we just don’t get

As a huge fan of the Deadpool universe, I can’t help but feel a mix of confusion and amusement at the unexpected appearance of Shatterstar in Wade Wilson’s Polaroid picture in “Deadpool & Wolverine.” While I appreciate the nod to Marvel comic book lore, it feels strange that this character, who was only briefly introduced in “Deadpool 2” and died as a punchline, is now considered one of Deadpool’s closest friends.


The essence of the emotional bond between Deadpool and Wolverine is encapsulated in a Polaroid photo that Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool character keeps with him.

1. “The picture encompasses his entire universe: his stand-in family and companions, numbering nine individuals. Among them are his estranged spouse Vanessa (Morena Baccarin); his closest friend Peter (Rob Delaney); his housemate Blind Al (Leslie Uggams); his taxi driver and apprentice Dopinder (Karan Soni); frequent extra Buck (Randal Reeder); and the mutants Colossus (Stefan Kapičić), Negasonic Teenage Warhead (Brianna Hildebrand), and Yukio (Shioli Kutsuna).”

warning: The ninth character in this gathering is a hint at an unresolved joke from the movie Deadpool & Wolverine. If you prefer not to be spoiled about any cameo appearances, be mindful.

[Ed. note: Small Deadpool & Wolverine cameo spoiler ahead.]

Deadpool & Wolverine has one strange cameo we just don’t get

1. In Wade Wilson’s close circle, there’s Shatterstar (Lewis Tan), a character from the X-Men comic series, who was co-created by Fabian Nicieza and Rob Liefeld. Interestingly, in previous films, Shatterstar didn’t have a significant relationship with Deadpool. His presence in this group raises questions about other major characters missing from the scene. Additionally, it’s worth noting that Shatterstar met an untimely end as a joke in ‘Deadpool 2’, appearing only briefly on screen before his demise.

“I’m essentially superior to you in every way.”

In the movie, Shatterstar joined Deadpool’s X-Force squad, consisting of Peter, Domino (Zazie Beetz), Bedlam (Terry Crews), Zeitgeist (Bill Skarsgård), and the Vanisher (Brad Pitt). Deadpool formed this team to safeguard the young mutant Russell (Julian Dennison) from Cable’s time-traveling threats, while also poking fun at the tendency of superhero films to create franchises. According to Deadpool, he handpicked a team that was “strong, ethically ambiguous, and youthful enough to carry on this series for a decade or more.”

Deadpool & Wolverine has one strange cameo we just don’t get

As a huge fan, I can’t help but chuckle at how brilliantly X-Force serves as a comedic surprise in Deadpool 2. Though it builds on a similar gag from MacGruber, the execution is fresh and unexpected. The team, full of promise, plunges into action. But just as they’re about to save the day against Cable, every member, except for Deadpool and Domino, meets an untimely and gruesome end. In hindsight, it’s a witty commentary on fan service overload, and the film’s creators – Ryan Reynolds along with Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick – cleverly exploit this redundancy to deliver a hilarious punchline. Despite its brief presence in the story of Deadpool 2, X-Force remains an unforgettable moment that adds depth to the film’s humor.

It’s quite unexpected to find Deadpool and Wolverine granting a significant role to this deceased minor character in Deadpool’s life. Although Peter met his end in Deadpool 2, the mid-credits scene displays Deadpool utilizing time travel to resurrect him. Contrastingly, Shatterstar fails to receive such treatment. Furthermore, Deadpool 2 emphasizes Deadpool’s aversion towards being a hero. Following their demise in the primary timeline, Deadpool informs Domino, “The upside is: I don’t believe anyone will mourn Shatterstar. He had quite an arrogant demeanor.”

1. In an episode of “The Empire Film Podcast” following the premiere of “Deadpool 2“, Reynolds shared that the scene where Deadpool saved Peter specifically was intended to convey that he only rescued him, despite having the ability to save others as well. It’s worth noting that the continuity in these films is flexible. The movie “Deadpool & Wolverine” features numerous cameos from minor or fictional characters from the pre-MCU Marvel cinematic universe. Focusing on a single background joke or cameo might overlook the broader picture.

Deadpool & Wolverine has one strange cameo we just don’t get

Despite the unexpected arrival of Shatterstar in “Deadpool & Wolverine,” which feels out of place as he is barely acknowledged or explained by Deadpool, adding an unusual element to the film. Noteworthy, the movie overlooks significant characters from “Deadpool 2” such as Domino, Cable, and Russell, whose presence was emphasized at the end of the previous installment when Deadpool spoke about forming a new family with them. The absence of these characters is palpable, making Shatterstar’s appearance even more noticeable.

1. It seems like he might have been inserted into the Deadpool & Wolverine scene as a bigger joke that didn’t make it to the final cut. On second thought, perhaps his presence was meant to be a subtle, blink-and-you-miss-it type of joke. The movie itself appears to be a tribute to the franchise’s history, with Happy’s office adorned with trophies from previous Marvel Cinematic Universe films and The Void filled with relics from Fox’s former Marvel properties. Moreover, Deadpool frequently breaks the fourth wall to remind us of Marvel’s past.

Amongst the chaos, Shatterstar appears as an unusual anomaly – either a missed chance for a more impactful comic relief, or a joke that fails to connect. In “Deadpool 2,” Shatterstar wasn’t extensively utilized as a character, but he did contribute to a humorous reference about superhero universes. However, in “Deadpool & Wolverine,” he adds little more than fodder for dialogue.

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2024-07-30 20:49

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