‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ Makes Its Worldwide Premiere in New York City

Marvel rolled out the red (and yellow) carpet to celebrate the world premiere of Deadpool & Wolverine.

Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman took over New York City on July 22 for the world premiere of Marvel Studios’ latest film. The two heroes were joined by stars Emma Corrin, Morena Baccarin, Rob Delaney, Leslie Uggams, Karan Soni, Matthew Macfadyen, Aaron Stanford, Brianna Hildebrand, Lewis Tan, and Tyler Mane, as well as director Shawn Levy and producer Kevin Feige.  

Speaking to a cheering crowd before the premiere, Reynolds heaped praise on his costars and collaborators, calling the film a “dream come true” and an opportunity to tell “the most authentic story for these characters.” He particularly praised Jackman for his return as Wolverine, adding that they both channeled their real-life friendship on screen.

“Hugh is two things about this film: He is the why and the how,” Reynolds told the crowd. “We had this script that none of us could really crack or quite figure out until Hugh called and said, ‘I’m in.’ So, I will never ever be able to thank Hugh enough for stepping up and coming back one more time.”

Jackman echoed Reynolds’ comments on the red carpet, explaining that although he expected to hang up the adamantium claws after 2017’s Logan, he jumped at the chance to share the screen with Reynolds’ foul-mouthed Deadpool.

“I’m so thrilled to be back,” Jackman said. “Three days after announcing Logan would be my last, I saw Deadpool 1, and I remember going, ‘Ooh, hang on a sec.’ I’m so happy. I feel invigorated playing him and cannot wait for fans to see it. We get to see a whole different side of him.”

A number of notable guests joined the cast on the red carpet, including Madonna, Blake Lively, Jimmy Fallon, Avril Lavigne, Gigi Hadid, Al Roker, and Lance Bass, JC Chasez, Joey Fatone, and Chris Kirkpatrick of *NSYNC. But perhaps the most popular star of the night was Peggy, the British canine who plays Dogpool on screen. Feige told Marvel.com that it was Reynolds who first advocated for Peggy’s casting, and the tiny dog actor has since proven to be a star.

“Ryan knew early on that Dogpool and Peggy in particular would capture the imagination of the world,” Feige said. “And he was absolutely right.”

As for Dogpool’s potential future in the MCU? Fans will have to wait and see — but Corrin, who stars as the villainous Cassandra Nova, is already pitching a Dogpool-centric sequel.

“I didn’t have a scene with Dogpool, and if I could wish for one thing in the future, it’s that Cassandra and Dogpool would have their own spinoff,” Corrin said with a laugh. “I think that maybe Dogpool would be the one thing to soften Cassandra’s soul, and I want that for her.”

Deadpool & Wolverine hits theaters July 26.