X-Rated Line Cut from Deadpool & Wolverine Revealed

The highly anticipated Deadpool & Wolverine continues to generate buzz ahead of the 2024 awards season, with its edgy humor and bold creative choices drawing attention. Among the film’s revelations is an X-rated line that Disney requested to be removed. Ryan Reynolds, who stars as Deadpool and also serves as the film’s producer and co-writer, first teased the controversy during a Q&A session at the Fast Company Innovation Festival. He shared that there was only one line Disney asked him to cut, though he didn’t disclose the details at the time. This line has since been revealed through Disney’s For Your Consideration (FYC) campaign for the film, with the script made accessible to awards voters.

According to Variety, the removed line was a pointed jab at Disney itself. It read, “F—-! What we can’t even afford one more X-Man? Disney is so cheap. I can barely breathe with all this Mickey Mouse c—- in my t-—-t.” While fans of the Deadpool franchise are accustomed to its sharp, irreverent humor, this specific quip crossed a line for Disney CEO Bob Iger, who personally requested its removal. The demand highlights the unique position Deadpool & Wolverine occupies within Disney’s broader Marvel portfolio, where creative freedom and corporate oversight must coexist.

The Deadpool franchise has long been celebrated for pushing boundaries, thriving under 20th Century Fox with R-rated installments like the first two Deadpool films and Hugh Jackman’s Logan. These movies demonstrated that mature, gritty superhero narratives could resonate with audiences. After Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox in 2017, there were concerns about whether the Deadpool series would retain its signature irreverence. While Disney allowed the franchise to remain R-rated, the removal of the Mickey Mouse line illustrates the limits of that creative freedom.

Despite the request to cut the line, Reynolds and co-writer/director Shawn Levy maintained the film’s edgy humor by replacing it with another audacious piece of dialogue. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Levy revealed that the new line involves a joke about Pinocchio shoving his face up Deadpool’s a— and lying “like crazy.” This replacement line underscores the commitment of the filmmakers to preserve the franchise’s unfiltered humor while adapting to studio requests. Levy described the change as quintessentially Ryan Reynolds: bold, audacious, and on-brand for the Merc with a Mouth.

As Deadpool & Wolverine navigates the 2024 awards season, Disney and 20th Century Studios have launched a robust campaign to position the film as a contender. Nominations are being sought in categories such as Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Supporting Actor for Hugh Jackman’s portrayal of Logan/Wolverine. Jackman’s performance has been praised for its blend of gritty action and emotional depth, a testament to his enduring appeal in the role. The film also boasts a star-studded cast, including Emma Corrin, Matthew Macfadyen, Aaron Stanford, and cameos from Hollywood heavyweights like Chris Evans, Channing Tatum, and Jennifer Garner.

The revelation of the controversial line and its replacement has added another layer to the film’s narrative, sparking discussions about the balance between creative expression and corporate branding. While Disney’s request highlights the complexities of managing an R-rated franchise within a family-friendly framework, it also underscores the studio’s willingness to embrace the distinctiveness of the Deadpool series. Fans of the franchise see this as a humorous anecdote that reaffirms Deadpool’s irreverent nature, even under Disney’s oversight.

Now available on Disney+ and digital platforms, Deadpool & Wolverine invites audiences to experience its mix of sharp humor, action, and irreverence. As the awards season unfolds, the film’s screenplay and performances will be closely watched for recognition. Regardless of the accolades, the controversy surrounding the cut line has cemented Deadpool & Wolverine as a standout entry in the superhero genre, blending humor and boldness in ways that continue to push the boundaries of what audiences expect from Marvel films.