Why Is Vanessa Alive in Deadpool & Wolverine? A Look at the Time-Traveling Shenanigans

Marvel fans might be scratching their heads over the return of Vanessa, played by Morena Baccarin, in Deadpool & Wolverine, especially if they remember her tragic fate in Deadpool 2. Let’s break down how Vanessa’s story took a surprising turn and why she’s back in the latest installment.
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Vanessa’s Fate in Deadpool 2
In Deadpool 2, Vanessa’s death was a major plot point that set the tone for Wade Wilson’s (Ryan Reynolds) journey. Early in the film, after a mission goes awry, a group of criminals targets Wade and his girlfriend, Vanessa. Unfortunately, while Wade’s superpowers allow him to survive almost anything, Vanessa isn’t so lucky. She is fatally shot in the neck during the attack, leaving Wade devastated and setting him on a quest for revenge—and ultimately, a desire to reunite with her in the afterlife.

The Impact of Vanessa’s Death
Vanessa’s death profoundly affects Wade, pushing him into a deep emotional spiral. Throughout the movie, he struggles with his grief, even contemplating his own death to be with her. However, as the story progresses, Wade finds a new sense of purpose, forming bonds with new characters like Josh Brolin’s Cable, Zazie Beetz’s Domino, and Julian Dennison’s Rusty Collins. These relationships help him to start moving forward, even as he continues to mourn Vanessa.
The Time-Travel Twist
Just when it seems that Vanessa’s death is permanent, Deadpool 2 throws in a classic Marvel twist: time travel. Thanks to Cable’s time-traveling device, Wade manages to revisit key moments from the past. In a series of humorous and impactful post-credits scenes, Deadpool goes on a mission to “fix” some past mistakes. Among these is a scene where he saves Vanessa, preventing her from being killed earlier in the film.
Vanessa’s Return in Deadpool & Wolverine
With Vanessa’s fate altered by Deadpool’s time-travel antics, she is alive and well by the end of Deadpool 2. This sets the stage for her reappearance in Deadpool & Wolverine. Her return isn’t just a continuity nod but also ties into the broader theme of Deadpool’s found family, a concept that was central to the second film. Fans can expect to see Vanessa alongside some of Deadpool’s closest allies from his previous adventures, though there may be a few surprises along the way.
Vanessa’s return in Deadpool & Wolverine might initially be confusing, but it’s all thanks to the quirky, time-bending narrative established in Deadpool 2. By using Cable’s time-travel device, Deadpool not only saves the love of his life but also ensures she’s around for more fun in the next chapter of his story. This twist, while unexpected, is a fitting continuation of the wild, unpredictable nature of Deadpool’s cinematic universe.