Bob Iger's Removal of Mickey Mouse Joke in 'Deadpool & Wolverine' Fuels Publicity
Ryan Reynolds and Shawn Levy confirm Disney's intervention on a risqué joke, replaced with another audacious gag, while discussing the creative limits set by corporate IP rules.
Overview
- Disney CEO Bob Iger personally requested the removal of a crude Mickey Mouse joke from 'Deadpool & Wolverine,' citing brand sensitivities.
- The joke, revealed through the film's FYC script, involved a graphic reference to Mickey Mouse, which was deemed unacceptable under Disney's IP rules.
- Filmmakers Ryan Reynolds and Shawn Levy replaced the joke with an equally provocative Pinocchio gag to maintain the film's irreverent tone.
- Reynolds disclosed that Disney also prohibited jokes involving Bambi, reflecting the company's broader policy to protect its iconic characters.
- The removal of the original joke has paradoxically amplified its notoriety, sparking discussions about censorship and creative freedom in blockbuster filmmaking.