Deadpool 2's Timelines: A Meta-Comedy Exploration of X-Men Continuity

Delving into the intricacies of Deadpool 2 and its relationship with the X-Men films, particularly Days of Future Past, we explore how Deadpool 2 uses meta-commentary to challenge and play with the X-Men timeline.

Deadpool 2 and X-Men Origins: The Humorous Nod to History

In Deadpool 2, Deadpool famously kills the version of himself from X-Men Origins: Wolverine, a humorous nod to the character's controversial and less-than-favorable portrayal in the original film. This act serves as a meta-commentary on the character's history and the inconsistencies within the X-Men film franchise.

Deadpool’s killing of his earlier self serves as a playful way to critique the original film, rather than strict continuity adherence. This allows Deadpool 2 to exist in a limbo where it can reference and critique earlier films without being bound by their continuity. This meta-humor is a cornerstone of the film's irreverent tone and taps into the audience's understanding of the film's history.

Interplay of Timelines: From Days of Future Past to Deadpool 2

The time travel elements in Deadpool 2 extend beyond simple continuity elements, delving into the intricate world of time manipulation. Let’s explore how the film places itself in relation to the timeline established by Days of Future Past and the X-Men film series in general.

Days of Future Past introduced a new timeline that significantly altered events from previous films, effectively erasing some of their consequences. This timeline shift didn't permanently erase the original timeline but created a new one, where the future of the X-Men was altered for the better. However, Deadpool 2 takes a different approach. It operates in a self-contained, irreverent universe that often breaks the fourth wall and engages in continuity play to a humorous effect. This playfulness allows Deadpool 2 to exist in a sort of limbo where it can reference and critique earlier films without being strictly bound by their continuity.

My Headcanon: Creating Timelines in the Marvel Universe

While the official MCU rules favor preserving continuity, my personal headcanon (theory) suggests that the timelines in the X-Men films, including Deadpool 2, actually create new timelines rather than simply altering existing ones. This view suggests that with each time travel event, a new timeline is born, leading to a branching tree of possible futures.

For example, when Deadpool travels back in time to kill his earlier self from X-Men Origins: Wolverine, he creates yet another new timeline. This concept extends to his other time-travel antics, such as going back to kill Ryan Reynolds' "baby Hitler” (a reference to Deadpool in The Manglar). Each of these actions creates a new timeline, leading to a complex web of possible futures.

Consider the case of Cable, who, according to my headcanon, uses his technology to timeslip. His device adheres to the timeline created by his actions, meaning that if he leaves the original time that isn't as he wants it, the timeline changes to reflect the one he creates through his actions. This adds an interesting layer of storytelling where Cable learns that he didn’t save his wife and child but instead took the life of some other version of himself.

This headcanon provides a rich narrative playground, allowing for endless possibilities and a deeper understanding of the time travel mechanics at play in the X-Men and Deadpool universes.

Understanding Deadpool 2's approach to timelines and meta-commentary requires a nuanced appreciation of its self-awareness and irreverent tone. Whether you agree with the headcanon presented here or not, it invites a deeper dive into the intricacies of these beloved films and their interconnected timelines.

Discover more about the timelines and meta-commentary in the X-Men and Deadpool universes with additional resources such as official movie guides, fan theories, and community discussions.