Deadpool & Wolverine: Did It Un-F*ck the MCU?

Guests: Matt Baughman (actor), Steve Custer / Spidey Steve (actor, Starwipe Films) Topics Plot and structure: The plot was reverse-engineered from a wish list of cameos and set pieces "Anchor being" as a concept invented to justify the multiverse Wolverine tour Three layers operating simultaneously: actor farewell, Deadpool franchise, MCU setup — not always compatible Fight choreography that's visually impressive but stakes-free because both leads regenerate Does it save the MCU? Temporarily through interest, not through story — generates excitement but points nowhere No post-credit setup, no direction for what comes next Agatha will likely deflate whatever goodwill this builds The runway to Captain America: Brave New World (February 2025) is too long to sustain momentum The MCU needs its next Avengers movie to course-correct, not individual films Cameo impacts: Chris Evans as Johnny Storm: clever switcheroo, but character played entirely for laughs — disrespectful to the actor's contribution Channing Tatum as Gambit: earned more in 15 minutes than a solo film would have — the accent worked Wesley Snipes as Blade: "there's only one Blade" line as commentary on the stalled Mahershala Ali reboot Daphne Keen as X-23/Laura: carried 50% of one of the film's only genuine emotional moments — still got it Henry Cavill as "The Cavillrine" — better executed than Nicolas Cage's Superman in The Flash Tyler Mane's Sabretooth: the anticipated fight with Wolverine over in two seconds — played for laughs Cassandra Nova: Obscure comics choice with paper-thin motivation in the film Multiple changes of heart that undermine any consistent threat Emma Corrin's performance was strong despite the writing Future predictions: Deadpool will return but the question is format — Avenger? Supporting role? Another standalone? X-Men and Fantastic Four properties now available to Marvel — the real long-term win Secret Wars as potential universe reset — needed sooner rather than later Thunderbolts unlikely to generate Avengers-level excitement Timestamps: 0:00 — Introduction and guest backgrounds 5:40 — Deadpool & Wolverine overview 10:25 — Initial reactions (spoiler-free) 15:51 — Plot weakness and meta-commentary 24:41 — Does this save the MCU? 32:38 — SPOILER WARNING — Cameo breakdown 1:07:12 — The happy ending and what it means 1:36:58 — Deadpool's MCU future Check out Steve Custer's work at Starwipe Films and Matthew Baughman's here. Then stalk your celebrity prey online at  @spidey_steve and @mattybaughs on Instagram. Reach the show at DontEncourage@gmail.comStop by and discourage us on Instagram, X, TikTok, Discord, YouTube, and Threadshttps://linktr.ee/dontencourageusListen to all the music we've discussed in every episode so far on our Encouraged Grooves playlist on YouTube and Spotify and find your next favorite song.