Summary
AsDeadpool & Wolverinecontinues its record-breaking box office success, fans eagerly uncover the film’s many Easter eggs, particularly the more obscure ones. Fortunately, a significant long-concealed Easter egg has now been revealed, adding to the excitement for viewers eager to catch every subtle nod in the film.
Deadpool & Wolverinehas offered fans plenty to dive into, with the Marvel Cinematic Universe film filled to the brim with hidden gems and deep-cut references that span across the Marvel multiverse and beyond. Fans have been eagerly diving into these moments, uncovering every Easter egg they can find, yet there are still more subtle nods that even the most observant viewers might miss. Interestingly, the film even managed to include multiple references (more than one nod) to Hugh Jackman’s illustrious musical career, seamlessly woven into the action.
A sharp-eyed Marvel fan recently caught a subtle nod to Hugh Jackman’s past roles in the opening sequence ofDeadpool & Wolverine. Specifically, Logan’s Adamantium skull, shown briefly in the opening credits, bears the serial number “24601,” a direct reference to the prisoner number of Jean Valjean, the character Jackman portrayed in the 2012 film adaptation ofLes Misérables.Director Shawn Levy has since confirmed this “24601” Easter egg was indeed a deliberate homage to Jackman’s role in the musical, acknowledging on the X platform that they were curious who would notice it first. Interestingly, this isn’t the first time theDeadpoolfranchise has referenced “24601”—the number also appeared on a doodled map byWade Wilsonin 2018’sDeadpool 2.The film’s ability to blend these deep-cut references into the story has left audiences excited and eager to spot more.
Marvel’s commitment to Easter eggs shines through inDeadpool & Wolverine, particularly with nods to Hugh Jackman’s musical career. Alongside the reference toLes Misérables, the 2024 superhero film features a brief radio play of “The Greatest Show” from Jackman’s 2017 hitThe Greatest Showmanduring a car fight scene between Deadpool and Wolverine. The film is also packed with subtle references for devoted fans, including several callbacks to iconic comic book moments like the crucified Logan, Ant-Man’s corpse, and the Hulk vs. Wolverine battle. Additionally, one ofDeadpool and Wolverine’sbrawls is a near-exact replica of the Peter Parker vs. Flash Thompson fight from Sam Raimi’sSpider-Man. At the same time,Wesley Snipes' Bladedialogue delivers playful jabs at his past collaboration with Ryan Reynolds and his iconic role.
Deadpool & Wolverinehas proven to be more than just a treasure trove of Easter eggs, as it has garnered strong critical acclaim.Reviewers have lauded the film’sengaging story, impressive visual effects, and stellar cast performances. The movie’s box office performance has been extraordinary, making it the second-highest-grossing film of 2024 and the top-grossing R-rated film of all time. As a result of this success,Deadpoolhas risen to become the second-highest-grossing superhero in Marvel history. With theDeadpooltrilogy surpassing $2.8 billion globally, it has outperformed theWolverine($2.4 billion) andThor($2.7 billion) franchises. The only Marvel hero surpassingDeadpoolisSpider-Man, specifically the Tom Holland version, which has accumulated over $3.9 billion worldwide."
Though Marvel Studios hasn’t announced specific future plans for Reynolds’Deadpoolwithin the MCU, it’s tempting to anticipate his return for more multiverse escapades, particularly withAvengers: DoomsdayandAvengers: Secret Warson the horizon. Additionally, Marvel hasn’t dismissed the possibility of aDeadpool & Wolverinesequel, though such a project is likely to be considered only after the conclusion of The Multiverse Saga.
