5 Things You Need to Know Before Seeing 'Deadpool'

Almost seven years in the making, "Deadpool" is finally actually happening. Leaked footage of the Merc With the Mouth dishing out some hard-R action practically willed this movie into being, with the help of fanboys. Here are five things you need to know before you see what all the hype is about. 

1. It’s an Origin Story and a Reboot

While Ryan Reynolds is reprising his role from 2009’s “X-Men Origins: Wolverine,” “Deadpool” basically reboots the character from scratch. Hey, it’s not like X-Men movie continuity ever made much sense. This movie will offer a new take on Wade Wilson’s transformation into a colorful, wise-cracking assassin, focusing heavily on his with girlfriend Vanessa and his arch-rival, Ajax (Ed Skrein). 

2. Deadpool Has Ties to Wolverine

It’s unknown whether Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine will have a cameo by way of end credits scene. If not, it’ll be the first X-Men movie not to feature the character. But as in “X-Men Origins” there will be direct ties between Deadpool and Wolverine. Wade gained his crazy healing powers from the scientists at Weapon X, the same group who made Wolverine into the brutally efficient killer he is today.   

3. Deadpool Is a Really Funny Guy

One of the things that sets Deadpool apart from just about every other character in the Marvel Universe is that he knows he’s a comic book character. He’s constantly breaking the fourth wall in the comics, and is carrying over that trait to the film. Expect plenty of raunchy humor and quips, with Wade even getting meta with jokes at the expense of “X-Men: Origins.”

4. It’s the First R-Rated X-Men Movie

For the first time, Fox delivers an X-Men movie for the 17-and-up crowd. “Deadpool” is much more violent than the other X-Men films. It’s a risk, given that superhero movies usually succeed by having a broad appeal and PG-13 ratings. But if it pays off, “Deadpool” could impact Fox’s future plans for the franchise (especially the rumored X-Force spinoff) and open the door for more adult-oriented comic book fare in theaters. 

5. Deadpool Gets Help From Xavier's School

Deadpool is the star of the show, but he’s not alone. He’ll be joined by two mutant sidekicks - Colossus (played by Stefan Capicic instead of series regular Daniel Cudmore) and Negasonic Teenage Warhead (Brianna Hildebrand). The latter makes her first live-action appearance. Also backing him up are his best friend, Weasel (T.J. Miller) and his roommate Blind Al (Leslie Uggams) – with lots of raunchy (and funny) jokes coming from this pair of non-mutants.