Ryan Reynolds recently disclosed that the memorable van scene in the Marvel hit Deadpool & Wolverine drew inspiration from a classic 1987 comedy. Released on July 26, 2024, this film starring Reynolds and Hugh Jackman features the two antiheroes journeying through the multiverse to save their world. Directed by Shawn Levy, the movie has grossed over $1 billion worldwide, placing it among just two 2024 releases to reach that milestone.
Marking the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s first R-rated movie, Deadpool & Wolverine surpassed Joker’s box office performance to become the top-grossing R-rated film ever, a record that remains intact. Despite the overwhelming success, Marvel Studios has not announced any immediate plans to produce a sequel.
Reynolds hinted at the possibility of continuing the story but acknowledged that the intense project demanded enormous effort and time to complete.
How ’Planes, Trains and Automobiles Inspired the Dynamic Between Deadpool & Wolverine
The 1987 comedy Planes, Trains and Automobiles, featuring John Candy as Del Griffith and Steve Martin as Neal Page, follows two mismatched travelers teaming up to get home for Thanksgiving. Battling difficult weather and personal differences, the characters develop an unlikely partnership through their shared challenges.
In a discussion with Collider, Ryan Reynolds revealed that the comedic timing and emotional beats from this beloved film significantly influenced Deadpool & Wolverine, especially the intense van scene where Wade Wilson and Wolverine clash fiercely. Reynolds compared this moment to the famous motel confrontation in the ’80s film, stating,
“If you put the two movies together, you’ll go ‘Oh…my god.’ Like the beats are the same, they move the same, there’s even a scene in Deadpool & Wolverine where he rips me a new one in the van, in the Honda Odyssey, he has more lines in that scene than he’s ever had in a movie featuring Wolverine, and it is the same as Neal Page ripping Del Griffith apart in the motel room.”
This parallel highlights how the emotionally charged yet humor-driven dialogue between mismatched characters shaped the tone of the Deadpool & Wolverine sequence. The interplay of personalities reflects the original film’s combination of frustration and reluctant bonding during a stressful trip.
The Impact of These Inspirations on Deadpool & Wolverine’s Storytelling
The dynamic between Del and Neal in the 1987 movie represents two contrasting personalities forced to cooperate: Del is gregarious while Neal is controlling. Mirroring this, Wade Wilson embodies the talkative, unpredictable side, whereas Wolverine resembles the more stoic and restrained figure. Such “odd couple” partnerships on a journey have resonated through many iconic films, including Up, Shrek, and 21 Jump Street.
Deadpool & Wolverine serves as Ryan Reynolds’ fresh interpretation of this classic narrative trope. The effortless chemistry between Reynolds and Hugh Jackman belies the demanding work behind the scenes, as Reynolds described the film as “detailed beyond measure,” emphasizing the meticulous attention to every frame and moment.
This creative intensity contributed to Reynolds’ hesitation about immediately pursuing a fourth Deadpool installment, alongside his commitments outside the franchise. The challenge of crafting this unique road trip tale was a crucial factor in his decision to focus on quality over quantity for now.
The Box Office Triumph and Future Prospects of Deadpool & Wolverine
Deadpool & Wolverine’s success as a billion-dollar blockbuster reaffirmed the audience’s appetite for R-rated superhero stories blending humor and action. The film’s record-breaking achievement as the MCU’s first R-rated entry sets a new standard for mature comic book adaptations.
While the Marvel Studios acquisition of 20th Century Fox opens the door for future Deadpool projects, the absence of an official sequel announcement signals a cautious approach moving forward. Fans of Reynolds and Jackman’s characters can anticipate further developments, but the complexity and scale of the 2024 film suggest any continuation will require substantial dedication.
As the Marvel Universe continues its expansion, this unexpected inspiration from a beloved ’80s comedy highlights the creative risks that have propelled Deadpool & Wolverine to critical and commercial acclaim.
