There are two remarkable gimmicks at play in the “Deadpool” movies. The first revolves around Deadpool himself, portrayed brilliantly by Ryan Reynolds.
Deadpool’s character breaks the fourth wall, acknowledging that he exists in a superhero movie, and cleverly mocks the genre’s tropes and shortcomings.
In “Deadpool 2,” he even jokes about the possibility of not needing a third act if his plan succeeds. Additionally, Deadpool travels back in time to eliminate an alternate-timeline version of himself from “X-Men Origins: Wolverine,” satisfying fans who disliked that portrayal.
The second gimmick is Ryan Reynolds himself. Known for his quick wit and comedic timing, Reynolds brings an unparalleled level of charm and humor to the role. Interestingly, he also took charge of the films’ promotional campaigns, often appearing as Deadpool while playfully highlighting his newfound stardom.
All of this is accomplished while Ryan Reynolds’ face remains concealed behind the iconic superhero mask. The combination of Reynolds’ sarcastic portrayal and self-aware meta-humor transformed the “Deadpool” movies into satirical masterpieces.
The Surprise Cameo: Juggernaut
“Deadpool 2” features an unexpected cameo appearance that adds to its uniqueness. Throughout the majority of the film, an enigmatic inmate remains a mystery, hidden within a high-security prison for superhumans.
It is eventually revealed that this imprisoned mutant is none other than the Juggernaut. Kept in solitary confinement due to his overwhelming power, the Juggernaut can burst through any obstacle once he builds momentum.
What makes this cameo even more fascinating is that Ryan Reynolds himself played the Juggernaut. In a 2018 interview with Empire, Reynolds shared his enthusiasm for taking on the role and playing the character he admired.
Just like the original Marvel comics, the Juggernaut wears a distinctive helmet that enables him to use his destructive abilities without harm. In “Deadpool 2,” the helmet obscures most of his face, and his voice is digitally altered to create a deep, imposing tone.
Due to the Juggernaut’s towering stature, CGI was utilized to bring the character to life.
Reynolds’ Cost-Saving Measures and Hope for Juggernaut’s Return
A keen observer might notice Ryan Reynolds’ facial features beneath the Juggernaut’s mask, and that is because Reynolds also provided the voice for the character.
Surprisingly, this decision was primarily a cost-saving measure. With “Deadpool 2” having a lower budget compared to other superhero movies, Ryan Reynolds stepped in to voice the Juggernaut temporarily. The voice was later enhanced in post-production to give it a gritty, Brooklyn brawler quality.
The Juggernaut proves to be a formidable adversary, requiring a concerted effort to subdue him. In one memorable scene, Colossus, Negasonic Teenage Warhead, and her girlfriend Yukio collaborate to defeat him. Despite the Juggernaut’s apparent demise, Reynolds secretly hopes that the character survived, implying a potential return.
Deadpool’s admiration for the Juggernaut stems from Reynolds’ own fondness for the character, which led to the desire for the supervillain to be particularly menacing and ruthless. From tearing Deadpool in half to callously burning down an orphanage, the Juggernaut’s actions showcase his malicious nature.
The Future of Juggernaut and “Deadpool 3”
As fans eagerly anticipate the release of “Deadpool 3” scheduled for November 8, 2024, speculation about the Juggernaut’s involvement remains uncertain. Plans to connect the film to the Marvel Cinematic Universe have raised doubts about the character’s return.
However, given Ryan Reynolds’ love for the Juggernaut and the potential for more havoc, it is not entirely implausible to imagine his resurgence in the upcoming installment. Moreover, the inclusion of Hugh Jackman as Wolverine and Shawn Levy’s direction further heightens the anticipation surrounding “Deadpool 3.”
In conclusion, Ryan Reynolds’ cheeky gimmick in “Deadpool 2” brought the Juggernaut to life while preserving the film’s unique tone. Reynolds’ humor, metatextual gags, and the surprise cameo added a layer of quirkiness to the already unconventional superhero franchise.
