Ahead of Deadpool and Wolverine release, 5 key films to understand their journeys

The release of the third instalment of Deadpool featuring both Deadpool and Wolverine is just days away and it is the perfect time to revisit some key films that reveal their backstories. These movies highlight the origins and evolution of the two iconic characters, setting the stage for their upcoming team-up.

Hugh Jackman’s portrayal of Wolverine began with the 2000 film X-Men and continued through 10 films, including X2: X-Men United (2003) and X-Men: The Last Stand (2006). Wolverine's story was further explored in X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009), with a cameo in X-Men: First Class (2011). He also featured in The Wolverine (2013), X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014), and X-Men: Apocalypse (2016).

Fans bid an emotional goodbye to Wolverine in Logan (2017). However, fans were in for a surprise when Jackman reprised his role in a cameo appearance in Deadpool 2 in 2018. It also sparked speculation about Wolverine's presence in the sequel. Seem like Marvel caught on to the speculations as Wolverine makes a return after 7 years in Deadpool and Wolverine.

The film promises a new chapter in his storied history, suggesting his retirement was only temporary. Deadpool, also known as Wade Wilson, is a Marvel anti-hero famous for his snarky humour, fourth-wall-breaking antics, and regenerative healing factor. Portrayed by Ryan Reynolds, Deadpool first appeared in X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009) but truly came into his own in Deadpool (2016) and Deadpool 2 (2018).

Here's a quick guide to the five essential films to watch before Deadpool and Wolverine’s latest adventure:

Deadpool (2016)

The first Deadpool film introduces us to Ryan Reynolds as the wise-cracking, motormouth anti-hero. Breaking away from the traditional superhero mould, Deadpool combines humour, intense action, and a unique narrative style with fourth-wall-breaking antics. The film's success was a game-changer, proving that R-rated superhero movies could be critically acclaimed and commercially successful. Key moments include Deadpool's origin story, his tumultuous romance with Vanessa, and his quest for revenge against Ajax.

Deadpool 2 (2018)

In this sequel, Deadpool's world expands significantly. We see the introduction of key characters like Cable, a time-travelling soldier played by Josh Brolin, and Domino, a mutant with luck-based powers, portrayed by Zazie Beetz. The film balances heart and humour as Deadpool forms the X-Force, a makeshift team of superheroes, to protect a young mutant named Russell. It is also the film where Deadpool grapples with loss and family.

X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014)

This film is crucial for understanding Wolverine's background and significance within the X-Men universe. Hugh Jackman as Wolverine plays a central role in this time-travel storyline, where he is sent back to the 1970s to prevent a future where mutants are hunted to the point of extinction. The film merges the original X-Men trilogy cast with the younger versions from X-Men: First Class. It's a pivotal film for understanding the complicated timelines and relationships in the X-Men series.

Logan (2017)

Logan is regarded as one of the best superhero films ever made, offering a gritty, emotional farewell to Hugh Jackman's iconic character Wolverine. Set in a dystopian period in the future, the film presents an old, weary Wolverine struggling to care for an ailing Professor X while nurturing and protecting a young mutant, Laura, also known as X-23.

X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)

While X-Men Origins: Wolverine received mixed reviews, it is an important film as it marked the first on-screen meeting between Wolverine and a version of Deadpool. The film explores Wolverine's early life, including his childhood, the bond with his brother Victor Creed, and the experiments that gave him his adamantium skeleton.