Deadpool & Wolverine stars, Ryan Reynolds, and Hugh Jackman, and its director, Shawn Levy, were all very protective of Logan‘s cinematic legacy as they brought Wolverine to the MCU for the first time. Using the Time Variance Authority, Deadpool & Wolverine brings Hugh Jackman back for his tenth live-action appearance as Wolverine. Many fans were surprised to see Jackman return after his long-running role in 20th Century Fox’s X-Men universe came to an end in James Mangold’s Logan.

Speaking to Vanity Fair, Reynolds, Jackman, and Levy, assured fans that Deadpool & Wolverine will respect and honor Logan‘s story and legacy. As excited as fans are to see Jackman return to the role (within the MCU, no less), they are understandably worried that his return will diminish the impact and weight of the character’s death in Logan. The trio revealed that this was one of the most important aspects they took into account when creating the film. Reynolds said:

“Initially, we had a very loose idea of how we would bring Wolverine back in ways that don’t necessarily interact or interfere with Logan and that legacy. I know Kevin, like Shawn and I and Hugh, were all very concerned about that. We really needed to protect that and still allow us to tell the most full-throated Wolverine story we could ever imagine, which for us was just a huge nerve-wracking privilege.”

Director Shawn Levy mirrored Reynolds’ sentiment, saying that he knows how much Logan’s legacy means to Hugh Jackman, and to the entire fan base. Levy added:

“The legacy of Logan as a movie and a character means a lot to Hugh, of course, but to Ryan and Kevin and me as well. Is there an awareness of that legacy within the movie as well? The answer is yes. And that’s another way to protect it.”

Only Deadpool Can Break the Fourth Wall in Deadpool & Wolverine

As well as his red suit and Ryan Reynolds-esque sarcastic humor, one of Deadpool’s most distinctive characteristics is his ability to break the fourth wall. When the property was owned by 20th Century Fox, Deadpool was the only character to do this. However, some MCU projects, like She-Hulk: Attorney at Law have featured several fourth-wall breaks. Despite this, the trio are adamant that only Deadpool will break the fourth wall and address the audience in Deadpool & Wolverine.

Shawn Levy revealed that this trait is part of the reason why some actors want to sign on to the project, but he quickly has to shut them down. Levy said:

“So many actors come into a Deadpool movie and they’re like, “Great, I get to talk to the camera and break the fourth wall.” We’re like, “No, no, no. There actually is a system here.” And that keeps Deadpool’s tone unique to him.”

Just like their attention to preserving the legacy of Logan, Levy, Reynolds, and Jackman feel the same way about Deadpool’s ability to break the fourth wall. Reynolds added:

“There are rules. Very specific rules. You would diminish stakes in the film if everyone—or even anyone else—was also aware of the fourth wall or any kind of meta aspect. Deadpool is the only character who has that ability to do that. If everyone did that, then you would no longer invest in that character as much. You really want to believe that the villain is a villain. You really want to believe that your costar’s character is true as well. Deadpool can undermine that—and does undermine that—because you don’t want the audience to take him as seriously.”