Deadpool 2

So for anyone not aware, we are actually getting a PG-13 version of ‘Deadpool 2’ this December, titled ‘Once Upon A Deadpool,’ which will have a limited release of December 12th through Christmas Eve, and feature new bookend scenes with Fred Savage, who will be reprising his role from ‘The Princess Bride’ in the film. The new version will feature brand new footage (most likely just the Fred Savage stuff) shot entirely in one day, shot guerrilla style, and will mainly just be a re-cut of the original edited down to a PG-13 rating, which few ever thought they would see for ‘Deadpool,’ who feels like he needs to be “R” rated to really shine.

So what made Reynolds finally change his mind and make a PG-13 version of the film? In his words:

“Fox has been asking for a PG-13 basically since the start in 2006. I’ve said no since 2006. Now, this one time, I said ‘Yes’ on two conditions. First, a portion of the proceeds had to go to charity. Second, I wanted to kidnap Fred Savage. The second condition took some explaining…”

Reynolds also told Deadline in a recent interview that another reason for this version was charity:

“Because it’s the season of giving, we will also be giving $1 for every ticket sold to F-ck Cancer, which will be renamed Fudge Cancer just for this limited time and campaign.”

Screenwriter Paul Wernick also claims that he thinks the film holds up no matter the rating:

“I think it’s not only going to appeal to kids but also to people who love Deadpool. I think it’s subversive enough and fun and creative and something that only Deadpool could do. So I think it’s going to be a real joy for not only a whole new audience, but also an audience that has seen and loved the Deadpool movies.”

But let’s be honest, the real reason for this is to test the waters of how ‘Deadpool’ fares as a PG-13 outing. With Disney about to take over 20th Century Fox and the ‘X-Men’ universe, the studios need to know if ‘Deadpool’ can play nice in the MCU, where they do not wade around in the murky waters of “R” ratings. If this experiment proves disastrous, it could mean either that ‘Deadpool’ never gets into the MCU and stays a separate entity entirely, not the worst thing of course, or it could mean that ‘Deadpool’ may be done as Disney may not even want to make the attempt if the character does not work outside an “R” rating.

Of course, if it does work, then we could get a PG-13 version of ‘Deadpool’ heading into the MCU which is exciting in that he could interact with other Marvel heroes, but less exciting in that he would be a very neutered character, so I honestly do not know what to root for here.

What are your thoughts on the matter? Feel free to share them in the comments below!