Deadpool - Why Was It So Popular?

Deadpool, I'm sure you'll all agree with me when I say - what a movie! Unexpected, humorous and most of all it defies the regular superhero storyline (to an extent...)

In order to understand the difference between Deadpool and various other superhero films we must go right back to the start... (Que dreamy dreamy music...)

For as long as I can remember, superhero films have followed a basic storyline  - an individual who possesses superhuman abilities faces an evil force and they must defeat it in order to protect the public.

Where can we trace the first 'superhero' back to? Before comic books hit people's shelves, media sources began to feature 'superhero' type characters, especially strips in newspapers. 1929 saw the release of the first US comic strip space pioneer; Buck Rogers.

Although, it's the Golden Age of superheroes between 1930 and 1950 that we all remember and they remain prevalent in today's society. Superheroes like Superman, Batman, Captain America, Captain Marvel and Wonder Women exploded into the world. Marvel (1939) and DC Comics (1934) have been in rivalry for decades and between the two they have created the strongest superhero characters we know today.  

So who created Deadpool I hear you ask with eagerness! Marvel created Deadpool. Why is it so popular? Well, there are various opinions on this idea, however, they all revolve around the same idea - people are attracted to the badass superhero who isn't afraid to say what he thinks.

However, there's also another huge factor which contributes to the fact that this particular movie stands out above other superhero movies; Deadpool breaks the Fourth Wall. For those who have no idea what that means, it references the imaginary boundary between the stage and audience in the theatre. Within the film, Deadpool looks straight into the camera and addresses the audience a total of 23 times, according to Josh Dickey who documents them in further detail (link to article). This technique has been known to make an audience uncomfortable, however, Deadpool's satire actions allow the audience to be drawn into the film.



As I said earlier, People have loved the 'Merc with a Mouth' for over 25 years, since Rob Liefeld created him  in 1991. His popularity within the comics laid a grounding for him when the movie was released. Let me get one thing straight - this is not a children's movie. The main reason it is not a children's movie is due to the sexual innuendos and bizarre metaphors that come out of Reynold's mouth. From insulting IKEA furniture to making fun of his previous role as the Green Lantern Superhero, there's no shortage of comedy. Deadpool also lacks a desire to protect the public - which is a taboo idea in Superhero films. Another factor that attracted people to this film was the idea that the film is grounded into today's society with references we can all understand and relate to.

There's no doubt that this movie hit our screens with a bang. Before adventuring to see it myself, friends urged me to go. This movie reached a new audience outside the usual Marvel Superhero films. A Movie Buff, just as obsessed with movies as myself, laid out this question and I decided it was time I tried to figure out the answer - Why was Deadpool so popular? Loud, rude, humorous and most of all sarky - who wouldn't want to meet someone like that...