As the characters Deadpool and Wolverine continue to enjoy immense success at the box office, with cinemas in the UK reportedly earning over £52 billion since the release of their latest film, California’s Disneyland Resort has introduced a temporary attraction called 'Story Time with Deadpool'. This unconventional addition has raised eyebrows among fans of the Marvel franchise due to Deadpool's typically edgy humor.
Given that the third film in the series is rated 'R' in the US and 15 in the UK, Disney parks, known for their family-friendly environment, have had to make adjustments to accommodate the character. For instance, Deadpool's guns have been replaced with chimichangas.
During the attraction, Deadpool has not shied away from making jokes that poke fun at Disney, including references to Splash Mountain and Disney+. The character's humor has sparked controversy, especially with recent allusions to ongoing issues surrounding Disney+.
One particular joke made by Deadpool referenced a wrongful death lawsuit involving a woman who suffered a fatal allergic reaction after dining at a Disney Springs restaurant. The lawsuit took an unexpected turn when Disney attempted to dismiss the case based on the claimant's acceptance of Disney+'s terms of use, which included a binding arbitration clause.
Arbitration is a process where disputes are settled outside of court by a neutral arbitrator. The move by Disney to invoke this clause in a lawsuit unrelated to the streaming service faced backlash and criticism, prompting the company to reverse its decision and allow the case to proceed.
In response to the incident, Disney's theme park division chairperson emphasized the importance of prioritizing humanity in such sensitive situations to expedite a resolution for the grieving family.
The Deadpool actor's mention of the lawsuit during the attraction has sparked mixed reactions online, with some expressing concern over the appropriateness of the joke and others questioning whether it was scripted by Disney or improvised by the actor.
Disneyland Resort has been contacted for comment on the matter.
