Deadpool & Wolverine

What’s it about?

After retiring as Deadpool and settling into a ‘normal life,’ Wade Wilson is forced to suit up again after finding out his friends, family and world are at stake. Seeking out Wolverine, the two of them team up to defeat a mutual opponent.

The facts

• This Marvel film is for older audiences and is not suitable for rangatahi or tamariki under 16 years old
• Sequel to Deadpool and Deadpool 2
• Directed by Shawn Levy (Stranger Things)
• Stars Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman
• English language
• Runtime: 128 minutes

Why did it get this rating?

This film was classified by Te Mana Whakaatu, Classification Office. You can find out more about classification process and ratings here.

Violence

Violence is frequent throughout the film but is usually shown in an over the top and comedic way which minimises the effect on viewers. The two main characters, Deadpool and Wolverine, have healing powers meaning their injuries are very exaggerated, however they are never in pain for long.

Some scenes, especially fight sequences, have a lot of blood, and gore. A few of the more gruesome moments include:

• A character’s head explodes. Chunks of the head and brain matter fly everywhere
• In several scenes, characters are stabbed using large blades and a lot of blood is shown
• A character is stabbed in the groin area on multiple occasions
• A character falls from a tower and smashes into many levels on the way down, before hitting the ground
• A character’s skin is ripped off and they turn into a pile of blood and bones
• A character’s neck snaps
• A character sticks their hand inside the heads/brains of other characters multiple times

Sexual references

While there are no sex scenes in this film, there are a number of references to sex acts including vaginal sex, masturbation, oral sex, necrophilia, and pegging.

There is one reference to child sexual abuse where character says “I want to show you something huge” and another character replies “that’s what scoutmaster Kevin used to say.” This is a one-off joke that is not detailed but some viewers may find it shocking or offensive.

Offensive and coarse language

This film contains frequent use of offensive language, mostly for comic effect. Words used include f*ck, c*nt, sh*t, b*tch, d*ck, sl*t, tits, cock, a**hole, piss and goddamnit.

Some jokes like “put your greasy tits away you sl*t”, or “his eyes say f*cky f*cky” may be repeated.

The slur r*tarded is used in a joke about the offense of the word and is not targeted. Comments about sexuality and gender are used in the same way.

Comments from our Youth Advisory Panel

Members of our Youth Advisory Panel who attended thought the bone and gore had more of an effect on them than blood during the violent scenes.

The part of the film they found most unsettling was a villain putting their hand inside the heads of other characters.

They did not take offense at the jokes or language due to the comical nature of the characters and how it was delivered, but acknowledged that this may land differently for others.

Further information

• Why are ratings and content warnings important for me and my whānau? – Blog