Out of the 34 MCU movie installments, Deadpool and Wolverine holds the eighth highest-grossing spot and ranks as the 24th highest-grossing movie of all time. With a crossover between Marvel’s Deadpool and Fox’s X-Men franchise, this film was destined to shatter records. While countless factors contributed to its massive success, the strategic Deadpool and Wolverine locations and architecture choices undoubtedly tipped the scales in favor.
Context and environment are key players in bringing any story to life. From the chaotic streets of Vancouver to the post-apocalyptic vibe of The Void, each setting cleverly reinforces the film’s narrative. In this article, we’ll delve into the distinct locations and architectural styles that helped make Deadpool and Wolverine a cinematic sensation. Spoilers ahead if you haven’t watched the movie.
Vancouver, Canada – The Snow Forest
It is no surprise, but rather a clever choice, to film on site in a Canadian forest for the movie’s opening scene. The 2017 film Logan concluded with wolverine’s death and the Canadian wilderness being his final resting place; that came in full circle for Logan’s character, linking this heroic demise to his upbringing origins in Canada.
This location also relates to the ending of Deadpool 2, where Wade “borrows” Cade’s time travel device to change some events in time, including saving both Vanessa and Peter as well as himself in an alternate universe in Wolverine Origins – also hilariously stops Ryan Reynolds, another version of himself, from playing Green Lantern.
Deadpool and Wolverine first crossed paths in 1994’s comic titled Wolverine #88, if you didn’t know already, the lore implies that their connection to the Weapon X experiments was always going to lead to them crossing paths – whether as friends or enemies. Ultimately, the snow Canadian forest environment helped bridge both Deadpool and Wolverine’s narratives.
Pinewood Studios, UK – Deadpool’s Hometown
The film then takes us to the “normal” life Wade tries to lead in his hometown. The urban streets of Vancouver were replicated in Pinewood studios, probably because of the production team’s preference for this location or the ability to control the environment better with VFX. Especially given the multiverse juxtaposed scenes that happen in this city.
Vancouver isn’t just a backdrop; it’s Deadpool’s chaotic playground, perfectly capturing his essence. The city’s gritty industrial zones mirror his rough-and-tumble personality, while the sleek downtown skyscrapers add a layer of irony—polished yet hiding an undercurrent of violence, much like Deadpool himself. Vancouver’s versatile urban landscape allows seamless transitions from suburban calm to urban chaos, reflecting the duality in Deadpool’s character—both humorous and deeply traumatized.
Conveniently, the final Deadpool and Wolverine location concludes back in Vancouver, technically the UK simulated version. It becomes a battleground, where an abundance of angry Deadpools swarm the city. From domestic tranquility to multiverse madness, Vancouver’s architecture amplifies Deadpool’s story, blending humor, chaos, and action in a way that only his hometown could.
Bovingdon Airfield Studios, UK – TVA Headquarters
Bovingdon Airfield Studios offered the perfect combination of space, versatility, and privacy to build up sets and shoot action scenes. One of the sets they presumably built there was the TVA headquarters, which was first introduced in Loki season 1. We get a glimpse of it again in Deadpool and Wolverine when Deadpool is transported from his home to become, as he likes to describe, the Marvel Jesus.
It features a striking architectural blend of mid-century modern and futuristic design. Inspired by mid-century modernism, it showcases clean lines, open spaces, and functional aesthetics. The building’s imposing, retro-futuristic appearance is complemented by a striking orange color scheme to create an atmosphere that is both timeless and plastic somehow. It gives off the vibe that time is malleable and manipulated rather than organic. The architectural fusion of classic and contemporary design elements enhances the TVA’s role as a bureaucratic entity controlling time.
Pitstone Quarry, Buckinghamshire, UK – The Void
“The Void” is a desolate wasteland where architecture tells the story as much as the characters do. Massive metal ruins and harsh geometric shapes dominate the skyline and at the heart of this bleak landscape is Nora’s Headquarters. Her fortress – humorously Ant Man’s head – reflects the oppressive nature of the Void. As Deadpool pointed out it is a bit mad-maxxy referencing the post apocalyptic setting of the Mad Max saga, which is befitting to the Void’s survivalist nature.
Filming at Pitstone Quarry in Buckinghamshire perfectly captures the Void’s rugged, barren landscape, adding to the dystopian atmosphere. The quarry’s stark terrain serves as a visual metaphor for the chaotic and decayed reality the characters navigate, where industrial architecture underscores themes of oppression and resistance.
In stark contrast, the Resistance’s Underground Hideout offers a glimmer of hope, hidden beneath the harsh surface. Carved into the earth, this refuge combines underground architecture with futuristic elements to create a space that feels both organic and resourceful. The perfect environment to introduce previous MCU heroes Blade, Elektra, X-23, and the debut of Gambit.
Holkham Beach, Norfolk, UK – Sandy Beach
Amid the chaos of The Void, there’s an unexpected moment of peace. Filmed on-site at Holkham Beach, Deadpool and Wolverine take a reflective walk then hilariously stumble upon Dogpool and his cheerful owner, Nicepool. Norfolk’s tranquil landscape, with its rolling green hills and quiet beaches, contrasts sharply with the urban mayhem and dystopian settings that dominate the film.
This setting isn’t just a break from the action; it symbolizes a rare escape from the relentless turmoil, offering a glimpse of hope and a touch of absurd humor. It tries to remind us that there’s room for lightheartedness even in the darkest moments. A bit cliche I’m aware but the Deadpool and Wolverine location choice for this part was weirdly on point.
