SAN DIEGO (AP) — Comic-Con 2024 kicked off with a bang as “Deadpool & Wolverine” stole the spotlight. The highly anticipated superhero film, featuring Marvel icons Deadpool and Wolverine, received an exclusive surprise screening, delighting the convention’s sea of eager fans.
The sprawling pop culture convention began Wednesday, but the main attraction came Thursday with a panel celebrating the release of “Deadpool & Wolverine.” Fans, many clad in costumes and attire inspired by the film’s characters, filled the San Diego Convention Center’s famed Hall H.
In a much-anticipated appearance, Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman, who play the titular superheroes, joined director Shawn Levy and Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige on stage. To manage the crowd, organizers implemented a lottery system for the venue’s 6,000 seats, ensuring a fair chance for fans to attend.
As speculated by many, the audience was treated to a full screening of “Deadpool & Wolverine,” which Reynolds humorously called the “worst kept secret on Earth.” The film crew sat with the audience during the screening and later returned to the stage to express their gratitude.
“If there’s still any question about the importance of experiencing something with a crowd, that just changed everything. That was astounding — the best movie experience of my life, so thank you,” said Feige, who also received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame earlier that day.
Jackman shared his sentiments, saying, “That was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. I’m so privileged to have watched it with all of you.”
Reynolds then invited surprise guests Jennifer Garner, Dafne Keen, Channing Tatum, Chris Evans, and Wesley Snipes to join them on stage, eliciting raucous applause from the crowd. Feige hinted at the conclusion of the event, referencing Marvel’s tradition of post-credit scenes.
“Deadpool & Wolverine” marks the characters’ debut in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The film, full of humor and meta-references, acknowledges Disney’s acquisition of 21st Century Fox, where both characters originally appeared.
The film’s release comes amid discussions of “superhero fatigue,” as audiences show less enthusiasm for the genre. However, director Shawn Levy ensured his film didn’t require extensive background knowledge of the characters, making it accessible to all viewers.
“I very much made this film with certainly a healthy respect and gratitude towards the rabid fan base that has peak fluency in the mythology and lore of these characters and this world. But I didn’t want to presume that. This movie is built for entertainment, with no obligation to come prepared with prior research,” Levy said in an April interview with The Associated Press.
Despite recent underperformances by Marvel films like “The Marvels” and “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania,” “Deadpool & Wolverine” is projected to open in the $160 million range, potentially becoming the biggest opening of the year and dispelling concerns about superhero fatigue.
With positive reviews, enthusiastic reactions at Comic-Con, and a glowing endorsement from Taylor Swift, who dubbed the film a “joy portal,” “Deadpool & Wolverine” is poised to be a box-office sensation.
