Deadpool and Korg React
Deadpool and Korg React is a 2021 American superhero promotional short film featuring the Marvel Comics characters Deadpool and Korg. The film was written and directed by Ryan Reynolds, with him and Taika Waititi respectively starring as Deadpool and Korg. In Deadpool and Korg React, Wade Wilson and Korg react to the trailer of Free Guy before discussing the possibility of joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Reynolds reprises his role from the X-Men film series, while Waititi reprises his role from the MCU films Thor: Ragnarok and Avengers: Endgame.
Deadpool and Korg React was originally released to Reynolds' YouTube channel on July 13, 2021, as promotion for Free Guy, which also stars Reynolds and Waititi. Responses to the short praised it as a tease for Deadpool & Wolverine and for showing the character's narrative potential in the MCU. Its humor was also highlighted by many critics.
Plot
After making a trailer reaction video for Cruella as part of a series called Deadpool's Maximum Reactions, Deadpool invites Korg to make a similar video for the trailer for Free Guy. Deadpool asks Korg of his opinion of Taika Waititi while commenting as to his own lack of resemblance to Ryan Reynolds' character in the film. Following the video, Deadpool asks Korg about his own chances of joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe, to which Korg responds by complimenting the possibilities and telling him to keep an eye out for an email from Marvel Studios.Cast
- Ryan Reynolds as Wade Wilson / Deadpool: A wisecracking mercenary with accelerated healing but severe scarring over his body after undergoing an experimental regenerative mutation.
- Taika Waititi as Korg: A Kronan gladiator who befriended Thor, who was forced to participate in the Contest of Champions on the planet Sakaar.
Background
After the acquisition of 21st Century Fox by Disney Company was announced in December 2017 and completed in March 2019, all X-Men films in development were canceled, including X-Force and Fox's Deadpool 3, with Marvel Studios taking control of the franchise. Disney CEO Bob Iger said that Wade Wilson / Deadpool would be integrated into the Marvel Cinematic Universe under Disney, and the character's films could remain R-rated "as long as we let the audiences know what's coming".By Disney's acquisition of 20th Century Fox, Free Guy had been in development since 2016 and was one of the first Fox films to continue production under Disney ownership, as well as under the studio's new name 20th Century Studios. Deadpool and Korg React references the film's release delays, from July 2020 to August 2021. Reynolds had first pitched a short film featuring Deadpool interrogating the hunter who killed Bambi's mother from Bambi and would have seen Deadpool trying to find out how to become a loathed character. After that pitch was denied by Disney, development on Deadpool and Korg React began.