The outrageous Deadpool & Wolverine features one of the strangest multiverse sequences in superhero movie history, and it turns out that behind-the-scenes it looked even wilder. In the franchise-melding MCU movie, Deadpool traverses the multiverse to find a Wolverine variant. This leads to a bizarre and surreal moment involving a crucified Wolverine on a giant X-shaped cross. Taken straight from the comics, this reference was one of the most thrilling, and according to Assembled: The Making of Deadpool & Wolverine, looked even stranger in real life and almost never happened.
Deadpool & Wolverine depicts the eponymous antiheroes joining the MCU timeline. During this, Ryan Reynolds' Deadpool encounters a stunning array of Wolverine variants taken straight from the comics. These include Patch, Age of Apocalypse Wolverine, John Byrne’s iconic yellow-and-tan-suited Wolverine, Old Man Logan, and a rendition based on the Uncanny X-Men storyline “Fever Dream,” a comic where Wolverine is crucified. This chaotic mix of multiverse madness culminates in an unforgettable visual. But seeing how this scene was filmed adds a whole new layer of appreciation to one of the movie’s standout moments.
Deadpool & Wolverine’s X Cross Scene Looks Even Weirder Without Effects
The Cross Scene Was Filmed With A Mix Of Practical Effects And CGI
According to Assembled: The Making of Deadpool & Wolverine, the sequence featuring Wolverine crucified on a massive X-cross went through extensive practical and visual effects. Before the finishing touches were added, the raw footage looked utterly surreal. Filmed against a strikingly vibrant blue screen, the sequence featured a garish, wooden X lit with vibrant yellow lights, while a sea of bright red skulls surrounded it.
Hugh Jackman himself was strapped to the enormous cross, which was created as a full practical prop to enhance the realism of his interactions. While the final scene is visually breathtaking, blending Jackman’s stoic performance with eerie CGI flourishes, the pre-effects footage is unintentionally comical. The exaggerated colors and stark practical set design appear cartoonish without the final polish.
However, the attention to detail in crafting practical elements like the sea of skulls and the massive wooden X highlights director Shawn Levy’s commitment to blending practical filmmaking with CGI. This mix of absurdity and craft skills makes the sequence even more fascinating. It shows how the creative team turned an inherently over-the-top comic moment into cinematic gold.
Deadpool & Wolverine’s X Cross Scene Almost Didn’t Happen
The Wolverine Variant Montage Was Added In Post-Production
The sequence featuring the X-cross and the “Fever Dream” Wolverine crucifixion wasn’t even part of the original plan for Deadpool & Wolverine. During post-production, editors Shane Reid and Dean Zimmerman realized that the multiverse storyline felt incomplete. They noted that the scene where Deadpool encounters various Wolverine variants seemed to demand a montage but lacked sufficient footage to make it work.
When they presented an early edit of this to director Shawn Levy, he liked the idea of a montage. The team then quickly consulted comic book fans and Marvel to include even more Wolverine variants. This led to the inclusion of Old Man Logan and the yellow-and-tan Wolverine with the Hulk.
Levy’s decision to include this striking visual ensured the montage would not only stand out but also pay homage to one of the most surreal and iconic moments in Wolverine’s comic book history. This late addition turned what could have been a straightforward sequence into one of the movie’s most memorable scenes, highlighting the film’s dedication to pushing creative boundaries while respecting the source material.
I’m Glad Deadpool & Wolverine Fever Dream Reference Looks So Striking
The Scene Was Based On Uncanny X-Men #251 (1989)
The decision to include the fever dream crucifixion from Uncanny X-Men #251 (1989) as part of Deadpool & Wolverine’s multiverse montage is a testament to the filmmakers’ boldness in embracing the comics’ weirdest imagery. In the original story, Wolverine is captured and crucified by the Reavers on a massive wooden X. It’s one of the most striking panels in Wolverine’s history, symbolizing his relentless spirit and resilience in the face of insurmountable odds.
By recreating this surreal visual in Deadpool & Wolverine, the filmmakers leaned into the absurdity of the concept while delivering an unforgettable cinematic moment. Instead of grounding the scene in realism, the creative team embraced the comic’s heightened, almost dreamlike quality. As a result, the movie leaned into exaggerated colors and a surreal atmosphere to bring the comic cover to life.
Fox’s X-Men movies were notorious for trying to find a relatively realistic tone, leading to the infamous black leather costumes in favor of the iconic vibrant suits. Much like including Wolverine’s canary yellow costume, Deadpool & Wolverine proved early on its willingness to go all-in on the source material. In the process, it not only honors Wolverine’s comic book legacy but also reinforces Deadpool & Wolverine’s commitment to delivering a blend of comic book reverence and cinematic spectacle.
