Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman Surprise Comic-Con Audience with Special Screening of ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ | The Express Tribune
In an electrifying finale to Comic-Con’s Hall H events, Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman took the stage alongside co-star Emma Corrin, director Shawn Levy, and Marvel chief Kevin Feige to deliver a surprise screening of their highly anticipated film, Deadpool & Wolverine.
Dubbed “The Ultimate Deadpool & Wolverine Celebration of Life,” the event marked a spectacular send-off for the film’s opening day. The panel, held in the iconic Hall H, saw Reynolds and Jackman reminiscing about their Comic-Con experiences, particularly highlighting Reynolds’ early days with Deadpool and Jackman’s memorable backstage moments.
Reynolds reflected on his first Comic-Con with the original Deadpool, sharing, “I was the most nervous human being you would ever see. I remember making that movie for you, and how gratifying it was that everyone else liked it too.” Jackman humorously recalled his own experience, revealing a backstage chant for a repeat screening that led to an impromptu replay of the footage.
The screening was accompanied by an enthusiastic crowd, many of whom had been rewarded with exclusive Wolverine-head popcorn buckets for their dedication. As the film played, the audience responded with raucous cheers, especially during surprise cameo appearances, which caused Marvel’s Kevin Feige to beam with satisfaction.
Following the credits, Reynolds and Jackman addressed the crowd, expressing their profound gratitude. Reynolds described the experience as an “emotional honor and a privilege” while Jackman called it one of the most incredible experiences of his life, acknowledging the 24-year journey since his debut as Wolverine.
The surprise did not end there. Reynolds and Jackman invited the film’s cameo cast on stage, including Dafne Keen, Jennifer Garner, Channing Tatum, Wesley Snipes, and Chris Evans, who was introduced by Reynolds as the Human Torch.
In addition to the Hall H event, Marvel Studios staged a 10-minute drone and fireworks show over Petco Park, featuring formations of Deadpool and Wolverine and hints at upcoming Marvel projects, particularly teasing updates on The Fantastic Four.
Deadpool & Wolverine, which also stars Morena Baccarin, Rob Delaney, Leslie Uggams, Karan Soni, and Matthew Macfadyen, is projected to break box office records. Early estimates suggest the film could earn between $160 million and $170 million from 4,200 North American theaters, surpassing the $132 million debut of 2016’s Deadpool. Buzz surrounding the film’s surprise elements may push the three-day tally to between $190 million and $200 million.
Produced by Feige, Reynolds, Levy, and Lauren Shuler Donner, with executive producers including Louis D’Esposito, Wendy Jacobson, and others, Deadpool & Wolverine continues to generate excitement as it makes its mark in theaters.
