If you haven’t yet experienced the latest Deadpool and Wolverine film, its unique references to Logan are sure to leave a lasting impression, combining both humor and depth. Initially, Logan was intended to be Hugh Jackman’s final portrayal of Wolverine, but he ultimately returned for the third installment of Deadpool. Recently, Logan’s director, James Mangold, expressed his concerns regarding the challenges posed by shared movie universes, like the MCU.
“I don’t do multiverses,” Mangold stated in a recent interview. “It’s strange that I’ve found myself working within the world of intellectual property entertainment because I’m not a fan of multi-movie universe-building. I see it as detrimental to storytelling—it’s the enemy of storytelling. People seem more fascinated by how the elements connect like Lego pieces rather than how the narrative unfolds in a meaningful way.”
Mangold is known for his work on films such as The Wolverine, Logan, and Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. Interestingly, despite his resistance towards multi-movie universes, he is set to direct projects within two franchises that inherently involve interconnected storytelling. He will helm a Swamp Thing reboot for DC and a Star Wars film exploring the origins of the Force. These forthcoming projects are expected to reference previous films and be referenced in future movies. Nonetheless, Mangold maintains that his primary focus remains on character development.
“For me, the ultimate goal is always, ‘What is unique about this film and these characters?’ I want to create a narrative that stands on its own, not one that relies on Easter eggs or external references, which feel more like intellectual exercises than emotional experiences,” Mangold explained. “The aim is to ensure the film resonates on an emotional level.”
Deadpool and Wolverine is currently showing in theaters, and fans eager to learn about the Marvel characters that make appearances will find plenty to discover.
