Deadpool & Wolverine: How Succession Prepared Matthew Macfadyen for MCU Role

Deadpool & Wolverine: How Succession Prepared Matthew Macfadyen for MCU Role

As a huge fan of both Marvel movies and Matthew Macfadyen‘s acting, I can’t contain my excitement for his debut in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Mr. Paradox in “Deadpool & Wolverine.” Having watched him masterfully portray Tom Wambsgans in “Succession,” it’s fascinating to see the similarities between the two characters – a corporate yes-man with hidden layers of manipulation and ruthlessness.


At the press event for “Deadpool 3,” Matthew Macfadyen, known for his role as the submissive corporate executive Tom Wambsgans in HBO’s hit series “Succession,” discussed with ComicBook how his experience on that show helped him ready for joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

I was thoroughly engrossed in the thrilling crossover of “Deadpool & Wolverine.” In this exciting tale, Macfadyen brings the enigmatic character of “Mr. Paradox” to life. Mr. Paradox is an ambitious agent from the Time Variance Authority (TVA), aiming for a top position within the organization. To achieve his goal, he plans to eliminate Deadpool’s universe, which is part of Fox’s X-Men Universe, from the multiverse.

If you’re a fan of “Succession,” you might find that the character of Matthew Macfadyen’s Mr. Paradox bears a striking resemblance to Tom Wambsgans if he worked at a multiverse version of Waystar Royco. This isn’t just an observation, as Macfadyen himself acknowledged in an interview with ComicBook, stating that “Succession” likely influenced his portrayal of Mr. Paradox in “Deadpool & Wolverine.”

Macfadyen expressed his confidence to Brandon Davis during the Phase Zero interview: “I believe it did, I believe it did, absolutely!” He continued, “The key term here must be ‘work environment,’ don’t you agree? Mr. Paradox represents a particular kind of Waystar in our multiverse.”

Macfadyen’s portrayal of Tom Wambsgans in Succession resulted in three “Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series” Emmy nominations across the show’s first three seasons, and two wins during the last two seasons. Fans were taken aback as they discovered Macfadyen’s authentic British accent, contrasting his past roles as straightforward American characters. Tom’s blend of spineless flattery, cunning ambition, and sociopathic ruthlessness (hidden beneath a veneer of subservience) made him an intriguing character throughout Succession’s tenure. Here’s hoping that the complexity of Mr. Paradox will not be reduced to merely a prop for Deadpool and Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) to exchange their quips and repartee against.

Marvel’s Deadpool & Wolverine: Everything to Know

Deadpool & Wolverine: How Succession Prepared Matthew Macfadyen for MCU Role

Approximately six years have passed since the occurrences depicted in Deadpool 2 (released in 2018). During this time, Wade Wilson, formerly known as Deadpool, has chosen to leave his mercenary days behind and live a tranquil existence. However, his peaceful life is disrupted when the Time Variance Authority (TVA), an enigmatic organization that operates outside of time and space, recruits him for a new assignment. The stakes are high as Wilson’s universe faces an imminent existential threat. Despite his initial reluctance, Wade teams up with a similarly unwilling Wolverine to embark on a mission that will leave a profound impact on the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

In this production of “Deadpool” and “Wolverine,” Matthew Macfadyen portrays the role of Paradox, while Emma Corrin takes on Cassandra Nova. Notable returning cast members from previous “Deadpool” appearances include Morena Baccarin as Vanessa Carlysle, Leslie Uggams as Blind Al, Karan Soni as Dopinder, Stefan Kapi?i? as Piotr Rasputin/Colossus, Brianna Hildebrand as Negasonic Teenage Warhead, Rob Delaney as Peter, and Lewis Tan as Shatterstar. Aaron Stanford reappears on the scene as Pyro, a character originally seen in the “X-Men” film series. There are rumors circulating that Jennifer Garner may make a comeback as Elektra Natchios.

Kevin Feige, Ryan Reynolds, Shawn Levy, and Lauren Shuler Donner are the producers, while Louis D’Esposito, Wendy Jacobson, Mary McLaglen, Josh McLaglen, George Dewey, Simon Kinberg, Rhett Reese, and Paul Wernick serve as executive producers for “Deadpool & Wolverine.” The screenplay is written by Ryan Reynolds, Rhett Reese, Paul Wernick, Zeb Wells, and Shawn Levy.

Deadpool & Wolverine will be in theaters on July 26th.

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2024-07-24 20:42