Not by a stretch. Believe it or not. We always associate the House of Mouse with good ol’ fashioned family fun, but the fact is Disney’s a juggernaut of entertainment, responsible for producing a host of rated-R films. So let’s be accurate here: Deadpool & Wolverine — while raunchy in its own right — is clearly not the first (Marvel Studio’s first, of course!).
So why might many have difficulty understanding that some hardcore brands may actually get their fair shake of an R rating? It’s simple, really:
We Have to Remember There Are Two Different Disneys Here
There’s Disney as a brand/studio, then there’s Disney as a company.
Both concepts tend to be exclusive. And while Ryan Reynolds, our very own Deadpool, recently went on record to tout some great praise for the House of Mouse, allowing Marvel Studios to push the envelope with the latest of the Merc with the Mouth, the idea that these superheroes fit in with the lighter fare of tentpole action-loving popcorn stuffers and couch potatoes shouldn’t be confused with the lovable kind who dig Frozen, Cinderella, Wreck-It Ralph and Inside Out.
There’s a clear distinction there. You have Let It Go! on one end — and B**** Better Have My Money! On the other. There’s a rather thick line between these two people.
However…
Deadpool & Wolverine Is Certainly Not Captain Marvel
![](https://statcdn.fandango.com/MPX/image/NBCU_Fandango/662/783/thumb_708099A8-EBED-4EF7-8AF9-D54BF7937D6B.jpg)
Or Captain America. Or Thor. Or even Doctor Strange.
Deadpool operates on a crazy level, breaking fourth walls, which is typical of these comic book universes. After all, Steve Rogers is just a good ol’ boy from Brooklyn who can “do this all day,” fighting for justice, freedom, and the American way. And Spider-Man? Don’t get me started on how this friendly neighborhood arachnid won’t ever be flipping birds or doggystylin’ Black Cat. Meow.
Even Tony Stark started toning things down, and he’s a billionaire playboy philanthropist who could get into any woman’s pants.
But nevertheless these heroes have a certain image they’re upholding. However…. Deadpool & Wolverine is different. And up until we saw the scrotum-faced assassin for the first time, it was clear Marvel Studios wasn’t at the point where they’re pushing the envelope.
Ryan Reynolds, However, Was Pleased That the Envelope Wasn’t Just Getting Pushed…
That envelope was getting ripped wide open!
I hope it doesn’t sound condescending. I’m really proud of them [Marvel] for doing this. I think it’s a huge step for them. I mean, it adds a whole other color to this kaleidscopic wheel that is that company and the different people that they have been entertaining forever.
I was surprised, though, that they let us go as hard R, but very grateful. I mean, there’s no other way to do it.
— Ryan Reynolds
See that? There was Mr. Pool himself, first name Dead, in an interview with Fandango, “surprised” at how Marvel was so ‘liberal’ with the kind of R rating they were willing to accept for Deadpool & Wolverine. Even Mr. Feige, first name Kevin, was surprisingly flexible save for one caveat that was a hard no for him: cocaine use.
That’s fine, though. You heard it in the trailer. And Mr. Pool himself vouched for it! Plus all the blood, of course — that was okay.
Amazing Proof That Context Does Matter — if the IP Needs It, It’s Not Gratuitous
Studios rock when they realize that. It seems Disney does — and has been for quite a while. So let’s put it this way: if it wasn’t for films like Down and Out in Beverly Hills (that’s “technically” a Disney film?? Yes, indeed.) or Pretty Woman (Oh, no way…. Uh-huh, yes, way….), Deadpool & Wolverine literally wouldn’t have a fat chance —
So says Apex Entertainment, first name Total.
For More Great Content
If you liked this, check out our entertainment content here!
Total Apex is an all-encompassing content producer. We provide heavily-detailed articles every day on entertainment, gaming, sports, and so much more! Check out all our great sports content Total Apex Sports. Check us out on X @TotalApexEandG and our other sites: Total Apex Entertainment, Total Apex Gaming, Total Apex Sports Bets, and Total Apex Fantasy Sports.