Once Upon a Deadpool (2018) Ending Explained
tl;dr: Once Upon a Deadpool is a PG-13 re-edit of Deadpool 2, framed as a parody of The Princess Bride where Deadpool kidnaps Fred Savage and reads him the story of the film. The ending retains the core emotional beats of Deadpool 2—Wade sacrificing himself to save Russell, time-traveling to fix mistakes, and forming the X-Force-but adds meta-humor, fourth-wall breaks, and a charitable twist (profits went to cancer charities). The post-credits scene teases Deadpool 3 with a Logan timeline joke. It's a fun, self-aware romp that balances heart and humor while toning down the R-rated edge for wider audiences.
Detailed Explanation of the Ending
The ending of Once Upon a Deadpool mirrors Deadpool 2 but with a lighter, more family-friendly tone. After Deadpool (Wade Wilson) sacrifices himself to save Russell (Julian Dennison), he's briefly reunited with Vanessa (Morena Baccarin) in the afterlife. However, Cable (Josh Brolin) uses his time-travel device to revive Wade, who then uses it to rectify past mistakes-saving Vanessa's life, preventing Russell's dark future, and even sparing Peter (Rob Delaney), the unlucky X-Force member. The film closes with Deadpool forming a dysfunctional yet endearing team, teasing future adventures. The meta-narrative wraps with Deadpool releasing Fred Savage (who he'd kidnapped to narrate the story) and donating to charity, reinforcing the film's playful yet philanthropic ethos.
The post-credits scene is a highlight: Deadpool travels to the Logan timeline and kills his earlier, weaponless variant (a jab at Fox's inconsistent X-Men universe). This gag hints at Deadpool 3's potential to reshape Marvel's multiverse, especially after Disney's acquisition of Fox. The Princess Bride framing device-with Savage tied to a bed as Deadpool "reads" him the plot-adds absurdity, lampooning censored edits while poking fun at Hollywood's sanitization of mature content. The ending's blend of sincerity (Wade's growth as a hero) and satire (relentless fourth-wall breaks) makes it quintessential Deadpool.
Unresolved Questions & Theories
- How does Deadpool's time-travel affect the larger X-Men universe?
- Possible Answer: The Logan timeline is likely an alternate reality, meaning Deadpool's meddling won't disrupt the main series. Marvel may use this for multiverse shenanigans in Deadpool 3.
- Will Vanessa stay alive in future sequels?
- Possible Answer: Yes, but her role might remain limited to avoid overshadowing Wade's solo antics. Her survival resets his emotional arc.
- Is the X-Force setup a tease for a spinoff?
- Possible Answer: Unlikely, given the team's comedic incompetence, but Domino (Zazie Beetz) could return as a fan favorite.
- Why include Fred Savage?
- Possible Answer: Nostalgia for The Princess Bride's framing device and a jab at PG-13 reboots. Savage's exasperation mirrors audience reactions to studio interference.
Personal Opinion
Once Upon a Deadpool is a clever compromise between studio demands and creative irreverence. While the PG-13 filter dulls some of Deadpool's edge (no "unicorn pegasus kitten" lines here), the meta-humor and heart remain intact. The ending works because it embraces absurdity without undermining Wade's growth-his sacrifice for Russell feels genuine, even amid jokes. The charity angle adds warmth, making the cash-grab re-edit feel more altruistic. That said, the theatrical Deadpool 2 is superior; the R-rated chaos is core to the character's charm. Still, as a festive, self-aware experiment, it's a win-especially with that Logan gag, which promises wild possibilities for the MCU's future.
Final Verdict: A hilarious, if sanitized, victory lap for Deadpool's second outing, proving even a neutered Merc can entertain.