Superhero movies often bridge generations, becoming shared experiences for families who bond over comics, animated series, video games, and the blockbuster action of the MCU and DCEU. Even franchises known for pushing boundaries, like Deadpool, have offered PG-13 versions for wider audiences, such as Once Upon a Deadpool. However, the upcoming Deadpool & Wolverine movie promises to blend the R-rated grit of Logan with Deadpool’s signature irreverence. This raises a crucial question for parents: Is Deadpool & Wolverine appropriate for children?
Ultimately, you are the best judge of what your child can handle. But to aid in your decision, we’ve created a parents guide to the mature content in Deadpool & Wolverine, with minor spoilers to help you navigate what to expect.
Is Deadpool & Wolverine Suitable for All Ages? Understanding the Violence Level
If your children are familiar with Logan or the previous Deadpool films, you might assume they are prepared for Deadpool & Wolverine. While there are familiar elements, the movie escalates the on-screen action and violence. Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman’s characters inject a raw intensity into the MCU, bringing with them scenes of significant carnage.
For example, the film opens with Wade Wilson (Deadpool) engaging in a graphic fight with TVA soldiers, which includes desecrating a grave and using its contents as weapons in a bloody melee. A later scene depicts a different superhero being flayed alive, which is arguably more disturbing.
It’s worth noting that these violent scenes are presented with a comedic undertone, which might lessen the impact for some younger viewers. However, the level of graphic depiction is still a significant factor for parents to consider when deciding if Deadpool & Wolverine is appropriate for their children.
Drug References in Deadpool & Wolverine: What Parents Should Be Aware Of
Deadpool & Wolverine contains frequent drug references, although actual drug use is minimal. Blind Al, played by Leslie Uggams, returns, and her character’s comedic focus on cocaine is once again a source of jokes throughout the movie. You can catch a glimpse of this humor in the trailers.
In terms of on-screen substance use, Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) is shown drinking Jim Beam and, in one instance, resorting to rubbing alcohol. While not explicit drug use, the references and jokes are consistent with the mature themes of the Deadpool franchise and should be considered by parents.
Sexual Content: Navigating the Jokes in Deadpool & Wolverine
While Deadpool & Wolverine doesn’t feature overtly explicit sexual content like the infamous sex position montage from the first Deadpool, sexual references are present. Deadpool’s anatomy and states of arousal are recurring comedic themes. He even declares mid-fight, “I am soaking wet right now,” in a sexually suggestive manner.
There are also close-up shots of Deadpool’s groin area during a suit-up sequence, with a tailor’s hand lingering in that region, prompting Deadpool to jokingly label him a “predator.” Perhaps the most potentially awkward phrase for parents to explain is “whiskey dick,” used by Deadpool to describe Wolverine’s diminished claw extension when drunk. These instances of sexual innuendo and mature language contribute to the film’s R-rating and are important for parents to consider.
Scariness Factor: Is Deadpool & Wolverine Too Intense for Kids?
The movie balances graphic violence with humor, and the protagonists’ healing abilities might lessen the impact of some violent scenes. However, the introduction of Cassandra Nova (Emma Corrin) brings a new level of unsettling content to the MCU. As Charles Xavier’s evil twin, she possesses his telekinetic powers without any moral constraints.
Cassandra Nova’s methods of mind probing are particularly disturbing, involving physical intrusion. While Deadpool’s movies have shown him enduring extreme injuries, nothing quite prepares viewers for scenes of Cassandra Nova invasively probing a human skull with her fingers as if it were Play-Doh. The way she handles Mr. Paradox (Matthew Macfadyen), gripping his face in a menacing manner, could be genuinely frightening for younger or more sensitive viewers. This element of body horror and psychological intensity adds to the mature rating of the film.
Profanity and Cursing: How Much Strong Language is in Deadpool & Wolverine?
Deadpool & Wolverine features a significant amount of strong language, including frequent use of the F-word. The red-band trailers offer a taste of the profanity level. It’s not just Deadpool and Wolverine using strong language; numerous super-powered cameos also contribute to the cursing throughout the film.
Notably, one well-known actor, typically associated with a clean-cut MCU hero role, delivers a surprising torrent of profanity, which might be particularly jarring for parents and amusing or shocking for kids. For those concerned about excessive strong language, it’s advisable to be prepared, especially leading up to the end-credit scene, which reportedly contains even more.
Deadpool & Wolverine arrives in theaters on July 26. Considering these factors will help you make an informed decision about whether it’s the right movie for your family.
