‘Deadpool 3’ Key Scene Pays Homage To ‘Star Wars: Return of the Jedi’

Director Shawn Levy has taken the helm of Deadpool 3 with a creative fervor sparked by his childhood memories of Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi.

In an essay for Esquire, Levy reminisced about his experiences in the crowded movie theaters of his youth, highlighting the profound impact of the iconic Star Wars franchise on his vision as a filmmaker. He recalled with vivid clarity the moment Luke Skywalker confronted Darth Vader — a scene that reverberated through the silent audience before erupting into an emotional cacophony as Luke launched into a frenzied lightsaber duel.

“I went to the theater again and again to see Return of the Jedi. I vividly remember the scene in which Luke is hiding from Vader in the Emperor’s room and Vader gives the speech that ends with ‘If you will not turn to the dark side, then perhaps your sister will’. It was dead quiet. Pin-drop silence.” he said.

“Suddenly Vader has pushed the wrong button,” Levy recalled. “Luke comes screaming out of the shadows and just goes to town in a lightsaber battle against Vader. The way that felt: The 40 seconds of stillness from the audience, then the spectacle and emotion, is seared not just in my eyeballs but in my heart.”

Levy, widely celebrated for directing Free Guy, seeks to replicate that spellbinding blend of stillness and spectacle in Deadpool 3. He aims to foster a deep connection with the audience, much like the one he experienced as a young moviegoer.

Deadpool 3, starring Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman, is set to include what Levy dubs “the Jedi moment”. This homage is more than just a nod to Star Wars enthusiasts; it’s a frame-by-frame study and a heartfelt tribute to iconic filmmaking.

Levy may be reportedly involved in future Star Wars projects, but his current focus is on delivering a Deadpool 3 moment that captures the essence of his most cherished theater memory.

“The keen Star Wars fan will see the shot in my Deadpool movie that was inspired by a moment that I saw in a theatre decades ago. That’s a forever memory. And that’s a treasure.”