Deadpool screenwriters Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick recently took part in an interview with /Film to plug their upcoming YouTube Premium series, Wayne. The full interview won’t be available until January, but /Film kindly offered a few highlights from their discussion. Namely, they shared what the writers had to say about the upcoming PG-13 re-release of Deadpool 2.
“We definitely shot new stuff,” revealed Wernick. “And recently too. After Deadpool 2 came out and we were all sitting around, we came to it less about the idea of let’s make a PG-13 movie and more, ‘Let’s talk a little bit about Deadpool.’ We were kicking around some ideas and then I think it was Ryan [Reynolds] who had the great framing device and we all got excited and went to the studio. They said, ‘Yeah, let’s do it. Fire up the cameras.’”
“About two months ago we were out on soundstages shooting again,” continued Wernick. “Ryan was in the suit and the gang was back together, Dave Leitch and Ryan and us having a great time and laughing. It comes together great so we’re super excited about it.”
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The duo wouldn’t say whether the reshoots featured actors other than Reynolds, but insisted that the film’s story remains unchanged. They also expressed their hope that anyone who loved the original cut will revisit the theater for this new version despite any lingering skepticism. “I think it’s not only going to appeal to kids, but also to people who love Deadpool,” Wernick said. “I think it’s subversive enough and fun and creative and something that only Deadpool could do. So I think it’s going to be a real joy for not only a whole new audience, but also an audience that has seen and loved the Deadpool movies.”
Fans have speculated that the tamer theatrical cut is being produced because of Disney’s impending acquisition of 20th Century Fox. Once Fox is under the Disney umbrella, the Merc with a Mouth will presumably be handled by Marvel Studios, which has yet to release an R-rated film. Rumor has it that the PG-13 version is a field test for the character’s entry into the family-friendly MCU. Nevertheless, many would argue that a restrained take on the character belies what made the franchise successful to begin with.
The PG-13 cut of Deadpool 2 will hit theaters on December 21. What do you make of the writers’ remarks? Give us your impressions in the comment section below!
