Attention! this is a spoiler! If you’re expecting to go in cold, proceed with caution since the next post highlights some unexpected guest stars in “Deadpool & Wolverine” (currently playing in theatres).
SAN DIEGO: Deadpool was not going to miss Comic-Con and not release a movie during the event.
Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds from “Deadpool & Wolverine” starred in a special “Celebration of Life” presentation that was only revealed last week. On Thursday, 6,500 ardent fans were treated to an unexpected screening of the film in the expansive Hall H of the San Diego Convention, which was transformed into a movie theatre complete with popcorn bags and buckets of Wolverine popcorn for each person.
An emotional Reynolds took the stage after the audience had seen the film. I’m drenched,” he declared. “Standing up next to the X-Man is a privilege,” Jackman said, glancing at him. The night was dubbed “one of the most incredible experiences of my life” by the veteran actor. I played Wolverine for the first time 24 years ago. I appreciate you providing me with a cause to return.”
Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige, “Deadpool & Wolverine” director Shawn Levy, and co-star Emma Corrin joined Reynolds and Jackman. Not only that, but following the showing, Reynolds gave a hearty hug to several of the performers who had brief appearances in the movie, including Dafne Keen, Chris Evans, Jennifer Garner, Channing Tatum, and Wesley Snipes.
Prior to the film, Reynolds gave the audience a history of his first appearance in Hall H, where he first showed footage from the 2015 original “Deadpool” film. Reynolds recalls, “I was the most nervous person you’ll ever see.” “I remember that feeling where I was stepping into a dream come true in a certain sense and I remember making that movie for you.”
A anecdote about that day, when the audience was yelling “One more time” while the film rolled, was also shared by Jackman. The stage manager, who was eager to get to the next panel, was waiting for him when he ran backstage. “They are going to rip Hall H to pieces if you don’t play the (expletive) footage,” I threatened. “Play the (derogatory) video.”
Marvel concluded the evening with an 11-minute drone performance over Petco Park, including 2,396 drones constructing images of the two characters to the soundtrack of Madonna’s “Like a Prayer” and lines from the film “Deadpool & Wolverine.” The drone show featured a post-credit scene, of course, since it was a Marvel production. Over the stadium, images of the monstrous Galactus and the logo for the upcoming film “Fantastic Four” were displayed, teasing the highly anticipated Hall H discussion on Saturday night at Marvel Studios.