Film Phase 5 — The Multiverse War (2025–2026)

Deadpool & Wolverine

Name: Deadpool & Wolverine
Released: 2024-07-26
Duration: 128 min
Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, Emma Corrin, Matthew Macfadyen, Dafne Keen

"Come together."

Released July 26, 2024 2h 8m ★ Essential

A listless Wade Wilson toils away in civilian life with his days as the morally flexible mercenary, Deadpool, behind him. But when his homeworld faces an existential threat, Wade must reluctantly suit-up again with an even more reluctant Wolverine.

Watch note

The TVA is erasing the Fox universe. Wade and Logan must save it. They defeat Cassandra Nova and save the Fox timeline — which is why the entire original X-Men cast can appear in Doomsday. This film is the bridge.

Why It Matters in the MCU

The film that formally absorbed the Fox Marvel catalog into the MCU is also the highest-grossing R-rated film of all time. What could have been a nostalgia-bait cameo parade is saved by committing to the emotional through-line: Wolverine's self-loathing and Deadpool's refusal to accept it. The Void sequences — populated by discarded franchise characters from across Fox's X-Men run — land as genuine fan service because they are weighted with loss rather than pure celebration. Hugh Jackman's final turn as Wolverine is considerably better than it had any right to be.

Where It Fits in the MCU

Deadpool & Wolverine sits at position 121 of 133 in the MCU's story-chronological order, placing it within the Phase 5 — The Multiverse War (2025–2026) era. It is rated Essential — must-watch for following the main MCU narrative. Watching in story-chronological order provides the most coherent character development experience — individual arcs build naturally toward the franchise's major crossover events, with each film's post-credits scenes carrying forward into what follows.