Despite its crass humor and ultraviolence, 2016’s Deadpool professed itself to be a self-described “love story.” Likewise, its even more over-the-top sequel fancies itself a “family film.” With a budget roughly twice that of its predecessor, Ryan Reynolds’ second turn in the iconic red suit was a similar box office hit, expanding the first film’s themes and taking bigger chances.

As the road to Deadpool & Wolverine continues, Matthew Anderson of The Lone Screenplay Nominee Podcast joins us to dig into 2018’s Deadpool 2. We’ll discuss what the direction of franchise newcomer David Leitch (John Wick, Atomic Blonde) brings to the series, how the film doubles-down on its R rating, and why it could perfectly lead into the character’s MCU debut.

So join us as Deadpool crosses paths with the likes of Josh Brolin’s Cable and Zazie Beetz’ Domino, has his first brush with time travel and how the Deadpool franchise comments and complements the mainline X-Men films. Also, keep an eye on the Crooked Table Patreon for a bonus episode on the movie’s PG-13 cut, theatrically released as Once Upon a Deadpool!

Deadpool. That sounds like a f**king franchise. Right? After the character’s big-screen debut (kinda) in 2009’s X-Men Origins: Wolverine, it sure didn’t seem that way. Ryan Reynolds’ take on Marvel Comics’ fourth wall-breaking quasi-superhero Wade Wilson aka Deadpool seemed like it had its one shot. Then some leaked footage later, the Merc with the Mouth got a new life.

Following our X-Men mega-series from 2023, we return to the world of Marvel’s mutants with a mega-series all about what will soon be the Deadpool trilogy. Of course, we’ll kick it off this episode with the film that started it all, from first-time director Tim Miller. Listen as Jeff Johnson and Kev Smith of Suns and Shadows join us to touch all over 2016’s Deadpool.

We’ll discuss why the film pushed the boundaries of the superhero genre, how its meta-commentary has aged, and why it is perhaps exactly what Marvel and the X-Men films needed. We’ll also chat in-depth about Reynolds, who championed the project and has leveraged the success of Deadpool to propel his career in Hollywood to new heights.

Beneath its snark and violence, there’s also real heart in Deadpool. Wade’s romance with Vanessa (Morena Baccarin) adds emotional depth. And in this episode, we’ll uncover that Deadpool is, really and truly, a love story. So whether you’re a die-hard Marvel fan or recently caught up with Deadpool ahead of the upcoming release of the third film, cue the music and enjoy!