'Deadpool & Wolverine': What to know before you see the Marvel sequel

Things are about to get weirder and a little raunchy in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

"Deadpool & Wolverine," directed by Shawn Levy, sees our superheroes (Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman, respectively) team up as mutants and the Merc with a Mouth get their official welcome to the Marvel Cinematic Universe in this first effort since Disney acquired 20th Century Fox, which owned rights to the X-Men characters.

With dozens of movies and shows based on Marvel Comics characters in the past two decades, including stories that connect to "Deadpool & Wolverine," you probably have some questions going into this latest film. Well, we've got answers.

Here's what you need to know before going to see "Deadpool & Wolverine":

How long is the new Marvel movie?

The running time for "Deadpool & Wolverine" is 2 hours and 7 minutes, filled with fourth-wall breaks, meta references, sex jokes and violence.

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When does 'Deadpool & Wolverine' take place?

The movie, which is part of the MCU's Phase 5, is set after the events of 2017's "Logan," the second season of "Loki" and about six years after the events of "Deadpool 2."

What should you watch before 'Deadpool & Wolverine'?

It would be difficult to go into this sequel without some knowledge of previous movies or shows. To understand what's going on, here are the ones you should watch or revisit before seeing "Deadpool & Wolverine" (all are streaming on Disney+):

• "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" (2009)
• "Logan" (2017)
• "Deadpool" (2016)
• "Deadpool 2" (2018)
• "Loki" Season 1 (2021) and Season 2 (2023)

But there are plenty of references and Easter eggs packed into this installment, so if you've got the time and want to give it your maximum effort, here's what else you may want to check out or rewatch (also all streaming on Disney+):

• "X-Men" (2000)
• "X2" (2003)
• "X-Men: The Last Stand" (2006)
• "X-Men: Days of Future Past" (2014)

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Are there cameos?

There have been many rumors about guest stars in the new movie. Yes, there are cameos, but that's all I can tell you right now. Listen, you never know who might show up.

Are there end-credits scenes for 'Deadpool & Wolverine'?

Yes. No spoilers here, but there is one post-credits scene, so be sure to stick around.

What are critics saying about 'Deadpool & Wolverine'?

So far, "Deadpool & Wolverine" has received fairly positive reviews (it currently has 81% on Rotten Tomatoes). USA TODAY critic Brian Truitt described the movie as a "delightfully meta, proudly gonzo buddy-comedy teamup that’s extremely violent, often hilarious, occasionally touching and always a good time."

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What's next in the Marvel Cinematic Universe?

Marvel Studios has quite a few things planned over the next few years, but here's a look at what's coming in the 12 months:

• "Agatha All Along" miniseries (Sept. 18, Disney+)
• "Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man" animated series (Late 2024, Disney+)
• "Eyes of Wakanda" series (Late 2024, Disney+)
• "Captain America: Brave New World" (Feb. 14, 2025, in theaters)
• "Daredevil: Born Again" miniseries (2025, Disney+)
• Thunderbolts (May 2, 2025, in theaters)
• Fantastic Four (July 25, 2025, in theaters)

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