Entertainment
All the major ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ cameos, explained
This story contains spoilers for “Deadpool & Wolverine” and is meant to be read after the film has been seen.
Marvel’s Merc with a Mouth is back — and he brought more than a few friends with him.
It’s been six long years since audiences last saw Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool on the big screen, but Marvel’s beloved antihero returns, as mouthy as ever, in “Deadpool & Wolverine,” out Friday. As the title suggests, the film also marks the return of Hugh Jackman as “X-Men’s” gruff Wolverine. It’s a reunion of sorts for the two characters: Reynolds first appeared as Wade Wilson opposite Jackman in 2009’s “X-Men Origins: Wolverine” (minus the red suit).
As Deadpool repeatedly reminds audiences, much has changed for him since “Deadpool 2” was released in 2018. Namely, Disney acquired Fox in 2019, along with the film rights to popular Marvel characters like Deadpool and the X-Men. “Deadpool 3” takes advantage of the Marvel Cinematic Universe‘s multiverse era and is packed with cameos of characters audiences might remember from Fox’s catalog of Marvel films.
Among those spotted in “Deadpool & Wolverine” include the aptly named Pyro (Aaron Stanford) from “X-Men” (2000) and “X2” (2003) as well as Wolverine nemeses Sabretooth (Tyler Mane) from “X-Men” and Lady Deathstrike (Kelly Hu) from “X2.” Other familiar villainous mutants that appear include Toad, Azazel and Juggernaut.
There are also plenty of other cameos, including a number of familiar faces from the MCU as well as other surprise appearances.
Here’s a breakdown of “Deadpool & Wolverine’s” biggest cameos from Marvel movies past. (One last time: Turn back now if you haven’t seen the film.)
Johnny Storm
Years before Chris Evans suited up as Captain America to help lead the Avengers, he made his superhero movie debut as a member of Marvel’s First Family, the Fantastic Four. Evans played Johnny Storm, a.k.a. the Human Torch, in 2005’s “Fantastic Four” and its 2007 follow-up, “Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer.” This incarnation of the superhero team also included Ioan Gruffudd as Reed Richards (Mister Fantastic), Jessica Alba as Sue Storm (Invisible Woman) and Michael Chiklis as Ben Grimm (the Thing). Johnny and the other members of the Fantastic Four develop superpowers after being exposed to cosmic energy in space.
Johnny appears in the new film as Deadpool and Wolverine’s potential ally against the telepathic villain Cassandra Nova (Emma Corrin).
The MCU’s incarnation of the Fantastic Four will include Pedro Pascal as Reed, Vanessa Kirby as Sue, Joseph Quinn as Johnny and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben.
Laura / X-23
As teased in the film’s trailer, “Deadpool & Wolverine” sees the return of Dafne Keen as Laura from 2017’s “Logan.” Laura, also known as X-23, was created in an experiment using Logan’s DNA so her powers (and aspects of her personality) are very similar to her surrogate father’s. Keene, who was just 11 when “Logan” was filmed, was praised for her performance — then-Times film critic Kenneth Turan described her as an “effective newcomer” in his review — and was a fan favorite in Fox’s R-rated “X-Men” spinoff.
Deadpool and Wolverine meet X-23 as part of a team that has been fighting against Cassandra.
Elektra
Between launching its “X-Men” and “Fantastic Four” franchises, Fox released a couple of films revolving around the Devil of Hell’s Kitchen. Jennifer Garner first appeared as Elektra in 2003’s “Daredevil,” which starred Ben Affleck as Matt Murdock, a blind attorney who moonlights as a vigilante. Elektra is a skilled, sai-wielding assassin who serves as both Daredevil’s love interest and adversary. Garner last portrayed the character in 2005’s “Elektra,” a spinoff that follows the title character as a contract killer. (Garner and Affleck were also a couple offscreen and were married from 2005 to 2018 — their divorce is coyly addressed in the film.)
Elektra is part of the team that agrees to help Deadpool and Wolverine along with X-23.
Blade
Wesley Snipes portrayed the vampire hunter Blade in a trilogy of films: “Blade” (1998), “Blade II” (2002) and “Blade: Trinity,” which also starred Reynolds (2004). Blade is a human-vampire hybrid whose mother was attacked and killed by vampires while she was pregnant with him. He relies on a special serum to keep his own bloodlust at bay. The “Blade” films were released by New Line Cinema, which is now a part of Warner Bros. Discovery.
The one and (so far) only Blade, as he calls himself in the film, is also part of the ragtag team that includes X-23 and Elektra.
In 2019, it was announced that Mahershala Ali had been cast to play Blade in the MCU reboot of the character. After a number of creative shuffles, “Blade” is expected to reach theaters in 2025.
Gambit
At long last, Channing Tatum makes his debut as Gambit in “Deadpool & Wolverine.” Tatum had long been attached to an “X-Men” spinoff for the Ragin’ Cajun Remy LeBeau, which ended up becoming a casualty of Disney’s acquisition of Fox. After Tatum had expressed interest in playing the character, it was announced in 2014 that he would appear in a future “X-Men”-related project as Gambit. A “Gambit” film was slated for 2016 but faced a number of delays until it was officially canceled in 2019.
Gambit (and his energy-charged playing cards) is also part of the team Deadpool and Wolverine meet while trying to figure out how to defeat Cassandra.
BONUS: Henry Cavill and Blake Lively also appear in “Deadpool & Wolverine” as alternate versions of the title characters. Cavill, who appears as a Wolverine variant, previously portrayed DC icon Superman in that other superhero franchise. Lively, whose face is not actually seen on screen, is married to Reynolds and is credited as Lady Deadpool.
Movie Reviews
Raayan Telugu Movie Review, Dhanush, Sundeep Kishan
Movie Name : Raayan
Release Date : July 26, 2024
123telugu.com Rating : 2.75/5
Starring : Dhanush, Sandeep Kishan, Kalidasu Jairam, Aparna Balamurali, SJ Surya, Saravanan
Director : Dhanush
Producers : Kalanithi Maran
Music Director: A. R. Rahman
Cinematographer: Om Prakash
Editor: Prasanna GK
Related Links : Trailer
Raayan is Dhanush’s 50th film as an actor and his second as a director. The film released in cinemas worldwide today amid moderate expectations. This review explores how the film performed. Read on.
Story:
Kaartavaraayan aka Raayan (Dhanush), enjoys a quiet life in Anjanaouram with his brothers Muthuvelaraayan (Sundeep Kishan), Maanikyaraayan (Kalidas Jayaram), and sister Durga (Dushara Vijayan). Their tranquility is shattered when Muthu gets into a fight with the local don Dorai’s (Saravanan) men, setting off a dangerous rivalry. Sethuram (SJ Suryah), another gangster, steps into the fray with a deadly plan to eliminate Raayan. What drives Sethuram’s desire to kill Raayan? Who is Raayan beneath the surface? What is his true purpose? The film unveils all these secrets.
Plus Points:
Expectations were high when the film was announced, as it is directed by Dhanush. Besides his intense acting, Dhanush demonstrates his directing skills neatly.
Sundeep Kishan takes on a significant role and delivers an exceptional performance with his portrayal of a character with grey shades. His scenes with Dhanush and Aparna Balamurali are enjoyable.
Dushara Vijayan is unexpectedly strong in her role, which becomes more intense in the second half. SJ Suryah, as usual, gives an exemplary performance. Aparna Balamurali, Selvaraghavan, and others perform decently in their respective roles.
Minus Points:
The movie doesn’t offer much that’s new for viewers. Dhanush presents a routine story with very few twists, but the slow-paced screenplay diminishes the story’s impact.
There is no strong hook to illustrate the conflict between SJ Suryah and Dhanush. The reasons provided are unconvincing, and SJ Suryah’s potential is not fully utilised.
The film caters mainly to action movie enthusiasts and may not be suitable for family audiences due to its violent content.
Prakash Raj’s character lacks originality, and Varalaxmi Sarathkumar has minimal relevance to the plot. Additionally, including more emotional depth might have improved the film. The second half feels dragged out, with unnecessary scenes added to extend the film.
Technical Aspects:
As a director, writer, and actor, Dhanush displays his skills, but as a writer and director, he could have crafted a more engaging story. The sluggish second half could have been tightened.
Given the high expectations, AR Rahman’s work is noticeable but slightly disappointing. The cinematography by Om Prakash is decent, while editing by Prasanna GK could have been better. Production values are satisfactory.
Verdict:
On the whole, Raayan offers nothing new but remains passable due to the strong performances by Dhanush, Sundeep Kishan, Dushara Vijayan, and SJ Suryah. The action scenes are adequate but not suitable for family audiences. The lack of a strong hook point and a dragging second half are notable drawbacks. If you still decide to watch it, manage your expectations accordingly.
123telugu.com Rating: 2.75/5
Reviewed by 123telugu Team
Click Here For Telugu Review
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Movie Reviews
Deadpool & Wolverine English Movie Review|Ryan Reynolds,Hugh
Movie Name : Deadpool & Wolverine
Release Date : July 26, 2024
123telugu.com Rating : 3.25/5
Starring : Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, Emma Corrin, Matthew Macfadyen, Jon Favreau, Morena Baccarin, Rob Delaney, Leslie Uggams, and others
Director : Shawn Levy
Producers : Kevin Feige, Lauren Shuler Donner, Ryan Reynolds, and Shawn Levy
Music Director: Rob Simonsen
Cinematographer: George Richmond
Editor: Dean Zimmerman and Shane Reid
Related Links : Trailer
After a six-year hiatus, the eagerly awaited third installment of the R-rated Deadpool franchise, Deadpool & Wolverine, has hit theaters amid considerable excitement. Dive into our review to discover how it measures up as Deadpool makes his entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
Story:
Wade Wilson, aka Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds), lives an ordinary life as a used car salesman. On his birthday, he gets captured by the Time Variance Authority’s (TVA) agent Paradox (Matthew Macfadyen), who warns Wade that his world will end in hours. Wade steals Paradox’s Timepad, hops through timelines, and finds Wolverine (Hugh Jackman). They return to the TVA, only to be sent to the Void, a dangerous realm ruled by Cassandra Nova (Emma Corrin), who wants them dead. They escape but learn Cassandra is their only hope to go back to their world. Will she help them? Why did Deadpool wish to team up with Wolverine only? What challenges did they face? Can Wade save his world? What made him lead a normal life? Watch the movie to find out all the answers.
Plus Points:
The long-awaited crossover of Deadpool and Wolverine is finally here, delighting fans who have eagerly anticipated their on-screen pairing. Thanks to Marvel producer Kevin Feige for making this happen. Combining these two distinct characters is a significant triumph for the franchise.
Deadpool returns with his signature foul-mouthed humour, delivering even more witty dialogue and F-bombs than before. His dynamic with the gruff Wolverine adds an extra layer of fun. Ryan Reynolds excels once again in his iconic role.
Hugh Jackman’s return to superhero mode is a treat for his fans. His performance is impressive, with his physical presence and demeanour bringing a strong aura to the role.
The film offers more than just sharp humour and jabs at Disney, X-Men, and even the MCU. It features exhilarating action sequences that are sure to captivate audiences. Watching Deadpool and Wolverine together on screen is worth the ticket price.
The movie is packed with unexpected cameos, creating moments that will make you sit up and pay attention. The fourth-wall-breaking scenes are an added bonus.
Minus Points:
The film has its drawbacks. Like Deadpool himself, it has some imperfections. The storyline is simple and somewhat thin. Given the pairing of these unique superheroes and the TVA connection hinted at in the trailer, a more complex plot might have been anticipated. Instead, the simple narrative can feel underwhelming.
The film introduces a few characters from X-Men and Fantastic Four. While their appearances are appreciated, incorporating more nostalgic moments could have enhanced the experience. The supervillain’s role seems limited due to the focus on the main characters and the constraints of the story.
Expectations for numerous ‘Avengers’ cameos, based on trailers and TV spots, can be disappointing. The post-credit scene, which was anticipated to feature Deadpool breaking the fourth wall, falls short of expectations.
Technical Aspects:
Director and writer Shawn Adam Levy does a solid job, but there is room for more to elevate the excitement surrounding the main characters. The screenplay is adequate but appears sluggish at times despite the short runtime.
George Richmond’s cinematography is visually appealing, and the VFX work is solid with effective color grading. Editing by Dean Zimmerman and Shane Reid is satisfactory, and production values are high. The music by Rob Simonsen is cool.
The Telugu dubbing is excellent, thanks to dialogue director BV Ramanayya and translator Veerri Venugopal Reddy. They adeptly weave in trending social media lingo and popular movie catchphrases, adding a layer of contemporary humour that enriches the film’s overall experience.
Verdict:
On the whole, Deadpool & Wolverine is an entertaining superhero movie for casual viewers and a thrilling ride for fans of the characters and the Deadpool franchise. Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman deliver solid performances, and the film’s humour, dialogues, and action scenes provide plenty of entertainment. Nonetheless, the film lacks a compelling narrative and emotional depth, and its mature humor may limit its appeal to a specific audience. Don’t wait; secure your tickets and catch this film in the best theater for an unforgettable experience!
123telugu.com Rating: 3.25/5
Reviewed by 123telugu Team
Click Here For Telugu Review
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Entertainment
Billy Ray Cyrus doubles down on anger at Firerose after audio of heated argument leaks
It seems Billy Ray Cyrus has a lot to say about estranged wife Firerose — and even more after an audio recording of his foul-mouthed tirade leaked online.
Cyrus, the father of “Flowers” pop star Miley Cyrus, voiced more animosity against his Australian bride (real name Johanna Rosie Hodges), writing that he “was at my wit’s end” during their marriage . The singers married in October but in recent months have been embroiled in a contentious divorce, waging allegations of abuse and fraud against each other.
On Wednesday, the Daily Mail published a two-minute audio clip of what seems to be a heated argument between Cyrus, 62, and Firerose, 36. In the snippet, Cyrus can be heard cursing out Firerose, dubbing her an “idiot” and a “selfish f— b—.” Firerose can be heard asking him to cool his tone and saying that she wants him to be happy.
In the audio, Cyrus also seemingly speaks to himself in third person and refers to his two children with ex-wife Tish Cyrus — Miley and Noah Cyrus — and the two children she shares with ex-husband Baxter Neal Helson. He mentions Noah, Brandi and Trace by name, but leaves Miley unnamed before seemingly calling her a derogatory term.
The expletive-laden audio — in which Cyrus mentions his estranged wife’s health issues and surgery — surfaced more than a month after Firerose accused Cyrus of “extreme verbal, emotional and psychological abuse.” In a since-expired Instagram story statement, Cyrus responded to reports of the clip and doubled down on his criticism of Firerose.
“As every day went by, I started realizing something was wrong. And that’s before I knew she was a fraud,” he wrote, according to People. “I just knew something wasn’t right. That was before I knew she was David Hodges ex-wife. That’s before I knew her parents last name.”
He continued by bringing up his estranged wife’s alleged criminal history and saying that “everything I thought I knew about her, was a lie.” The country music singer accused Firerose of “trying of take over my career, my life and usurp the Cyrus name for her own gain.”
He ended his statement: “See you in court.”
A legal representative for Firerose did not immediately respond to The Times’ request for comment.
Cyrus filed for an annulment in May, raising fraud allegations against Firerose. A month later, he requested a temporary restraining order against his estranged wife — whom he first met years ago near the set of the Disney Channel’s “Hannah Montana” — alleging she had racked up more than $96,000 in purchases on his personal and business credit cards.
Shortly after, Firerose fired back with a counter complaint detailing abuse allegations. Additionally, she alleged that she was subjected to her husband’s “persistent drug use,” which would allegedly render him “unpredictable and volatile towards” her. She accused him of retaliation and sabotaging her music career.
Like Cyrus, Firerose also hasn’t shied away from social media amid the divorce drama. Earlier this month, the “After the Storm” singer announced she had earned her U.S. citizenship.
“This amazing country’s been my home for 17 years,” she captioned an Instagram video. “I couldn’t be more thrilled to become a US Citizen!”
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