Behind the Scenes of "Deadpool & Wolverine": Producer Wendy Jacobson on Balancing Action, Cameos, and Fourth-Wall Breaking
When you think of Marvel Studios production, Kevin Feige is likely the first name that comes to mind. But as the Marvel Cinematic Universe expands, so does the team behind it. One such producer, Wendy Jacobson, has taken the reins on "Deadpool & Wolverine," a film that promises to be as funny and chaotic as the titular characters themselves.
Jacobson brings a diverse background to the project, having worked on action-packed films like "Skyscraper," "Rampage," and "San Andreas," as well as the acclaimed Disney+ series "She-Hulk: Attorney at Law." With a resume that blends big personality actors and a knack for comedic storytelling, Jacobson is well equipped for the unique challenges of bringing Deadpool and Wolverine to the big screen.
In a recent interview with io9, Jacobson shed light on the production’s hurdles, the evolution of the film with Hugh Jackman’s involvement, and the delicate balance of action and narrative. Here’s a glimpse into the world of "Deadpool & Wolverine," straight from the producer herself:
Weathering the Storm:
"Honestly, the most challenging thing was coming back to shoot in the dead of winter in London," Jacobson reveals. "We had planned to be finished through the summer and we had shot half the movie, so our costumes were designed for a spring/summer shoot. So we had a lot of big sequences that we were shooting outside with a lot of actors who were not dressed for 20-degree London weather, and it was pretty remarkable."
Jacobson describes a scene of controlled chaos, with heating tents, tubes, and an army of costumers ready to wrap actors in giant jackets the moment filming stopped. This scenario, coupled with the dwindling daylight hours, created one of the biggest production hurdles.
Hugh Jackman’s Arrival:
"You know, the truth is before Hugh came on, we really had just been banding about outline versions," Jacobson shares. "We didn’t have a full feature that we were ready to go write a script. But as soon as Hugh came on, we had a script in eight weeks. We opened the production office a week later and we were shooting six months after that."
Jackman’s involvement proved to be a catalyst for the film’s development. The script took shape swiftly, and the production moved at an impressive pace. While the film’s core story stayed true to the initial idea, Jacobson acknowledges that, "the movie just continued to get better and richer and more emotional."
Balancing Act:
"That’s a very good question," Jacobson states, in response to a query about balancing action with narrative. "I mean, the truth is I do think there are some things expositionally we had to kind of take care of at the top, but not unlike any other movie where the first act is really setting up kind of what the journey is going to be. And I think as soon as we get that out of the way, we’re really on a great mission-driven film with these two guys."
While the film does have a sense of "setup," Jacobson assures viewers that it’s not essential to be familiar with the previous Deadpool or Wolverine films to enjoy the story.
Cameos: More Than Just a "Look Who’s Back" Moment:
Jacobson clarifies the term "cameo" within the context of the film: "The word ‘cameo’ is something that we don’t use very often in our group because we feel like cameo implies a ‘look who’s back’ or a shock value. Anyone who may or may not be in this movie is there for a critical story purpose or has a very well-rounded beginning, middle, and end character arc."
This statement piques curiosity and emphasizes the intentionality behind any character appearances, suggesting that they serve a purpose beyond simple fan service.
She-Hulk’s Future:
While Jacobson can’t divulge any specifics regarding the future of "She-Hulk," her response to the question was promising: "I would love to. That’s all I can say."
This cryptic answer is enough to fuel hope for those who enjoyed "She-Hulk: Attorney at Law," and it hints at the possibility of seeing Jennifer Walters make a return to the Marvel Universe.
The Fourth-Wall Breaking Duo:
Jacobson doesn’t see "fourth-wall breaking" as a defining niche, but rather as a testament to her love for comedy. Her uncle, Danny Jacobson, is a writer-producer who gave Ryan Reynolds his first major break, suggesting a familial connection to the comedic world. She expresses delight at the prospect of bringing She-Hulk and Deadpool together on screen, revealing that they had explored such a possibility for "She-Hulk," but the vision didn’t materialize.
Collaborating with Powerhouses:
"Those guys are so awesome and collaborative," says Jacobson, referring to Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, and Shawn Levy. "And the truth is they’re such brilliant creative visionaries that I feel like my role is really one of support, right? To try and make their vision a reality."
She describes a dynamic where she allows the creative visionaries to take the lead, offering support and contributing ideas when appropriate. With a shared passion for creating the best possible film, the collaborative environment fosters a welcoming space for unique perspectives.
Conclusion:
"Deadpool & Wolverine" promises to be a film that is as unique as the characters it features. With a producer like Wendy Jacobson, who not only has experience navigating the complexities of big personalities and high-stakes productions, but also a genuine love for comedy, the film is likely to be a hilarious and captivating experience for audiences. The film’s blend of action, comedy, and unexpected twists and turns promises to be a standout entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. As audiences prepare for the release of "Deadpool & Wolverine," they know they can expect a film infused with the distinct personalities of its characters, a captivating story, and a behind-the-scenes team dedicated to bringing it all together.
