Why Disney Told Ryan Reynolds to Cut a Line from Deadpool & Wolverine – And He Agreed!
OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
Deadpool & Wolverine, the highly anticipated R-rated film released on July 26, 2024, marked a milestone for both the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and Disney. It was the first R-rated movie under Disney’s ownership following the acquisition of 20th Century Fox in 2019. Directed by Shawn Levy and starring Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool and Hugh Jackman as Wolverine, the film brought together two iconic characters in a time-bending, action-packed adventure. The movie earned $211 million domestically and $444.1 million globally, setting the record for the biggest R-rated opening of all time.
Despite concerns about how Deadpool’s signature crude humor would fare under Disney’s more family-friendly banner, the film delivered plenty of raunchy laughs and meta-commentary. However, one line from the script raised some eyebrows at Disney’s corporate headquarters, and it was ultimately removed at the request of Disney CEO Bob Iger. Reynolds, in a candid discussion at the Fast Company Innovation Festival in September 2024, revealed that he initially resisted the change but later acknowledged that it was the right decision.
The Line That Sparked Controversy
The line in question, which appeared in the official script on Disney’s For Your Consideration (FYC) portal, was a meta-joke about Disney itself. Deadpool, in a moment of frustration after learning of Magneto’s death, exclaims, “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 throat.”
The joke combined a criticism of Disney’s perceived frugality with a sexualized reference to Mickey Mouse, a beloved Disney icon. This crossed a line for Disney, which felt the content was too personal and potentially damaging to the brand’s image. Although the film was intended to maintain its R-rated edge, the company determined this particular line was too far, leading to its removal.
Reynolds’ Reaction and the Final Decision
Ryan Reynolds initially had reservations about removing the line, as he was eager to retain the sharp, irreverent humor that made Deadpool a fan favorite. However, during the Fast Company Innovation Festival, Reynolds admitted, “There was only one line in the entire film that they asked me to take out,” before adding, “No. No. No! And they were right!”
His acknowledgment that Disney’s decision was appropriate reflected a desire to maintain a positive relationship with the company, which had supported the film’s overall creative direction. This decision not only ensured that the film would not alienate Disney’s vast, family-oriented audience but also avoided any potential backlash that could have arisen from mocking Mickey Mouse, a figure synonymous with the brand.
The Pinocchio Joke: A Fitting Replacement
Rather than leaving a hole in the script, the removed line was quickly replaced with another crude joke, this time referencing the classic Disney character Pinocchio. The replacement line reads: “I got Pinocchio jammed in my ass, and he’s lying like crazy.” This vulgar, yet less directly offensive, joke kept the film’s R-rated tone intact while avoiding a direct jab at Disney’s iconic mascot.
Shawn Levy, the film’s director, confirmed this change during an August 2024 interview with Entertainment Weekly, saying, “We have made a pact, Ryan and I, to go to our grave with that line, but I will say that it was replaced with an equally dirty line of dialogue about Pinocchio shoving his face up Deadpool’s ass and starting to lie like crazy.”
Levy’s approach followed his rule of “never punch down and to only take the piss out of people who can take it.” While the new joke was still crude, it was less controversial and allowed the film to maintain its irreverent humor without crossing the line into territory that might damage Disney’s reputation.
Why Reynolds Agreed It Was the Right Move
Reynolds’ eventual agreement with Disney’s decision to remove the line likely stemmed from the strategic benefits of the change. The Mickey Mouse line was not only a direct critique of Disney’s frugality but also a risk to the film’s broader reception. Disney’s family-friendly image is crucial to its brand, and even an R-rated film like Deadpool & Wolverine needed to strike a careful balance between adult humor and corporate sensitivity. By replacing the line with the Pinocchio joke, Reynolds and the filmmakers ensured that the film could keep its edge while avoiding any lasting damage to Disney’s brand.
As Reynolds himself put it, “they were right.” The change, while disappointing to some fans who love Deadpool’s unapologetically edgy humor, ensured the film’s overall success within the larger MCU framework, a delicate balance that allowed the movie to deliver the laughs fans expected without overstepping boundaries.
Ultimately, Reynolds and the film’s creative team succeeded in keeping Deadpool’s spirit intact while also aligning with Disney’s brand values, proving that sometimes, the right creative choice involves knowing when to hold back just a little.
