The 2016 film “Deadpool” is many things. It is considered by many to be the “best Valentines Day film of all time.” It is also the highest-grossing R-rated film of all time. A more recent achievement for the movie however, is “most pirated film of 2016.” Why though? Most definitely, it has something to do with the film’s popularity. There has to be more to it than that, though…
1. Deadpool’s Unique Character
What separates “Deadpool” from other superhero films is the protagonist’s self-awareness. Granted, it isn’t new; many other Hollywood films have moments of self-reference or fourth-wall breaking. However, Deadpool takes counter-cliche jokes to a whole other level. This makes Deadpool as a character unique. It makes “Deadpool” the film unique. Most of all, it makes both memorable.
2. ‘Deadpool’s’ Marketing Campaign
Capitalizing on the Merc with a Mouth’s aforementioned self-awareness, the film’s marketing team took to their duties with no holds barred by… not taking anything seriously. Fun fact, Deadpool even had a Tinder profile. In essence, the idea was to not care what people think of Deadpool, as long as it was about Deadpool.
3. ‘Deadpool’ Is a Parody
While the film’s plot might be an all-original work, the fact is that Deadpool himself is a parody of pop culture (and indeed, a DC anti-hero named Deathstroke). Is he a superhero out to save the day? No. He’s out to make himself hot again. Is he out to save a fair lady? No. He’s out to save a prostitute. Does he find acceptance in a wise old figure? Nope. Blind Owl is a crack head. The point is, parodies sell.
4. ‘Deadpool’ Was Leaked
A more technical reason for being the most pirated film of 2016, “Deadpool” was actually leaked online several days prior to its theatrical release. This, coupled with a wave of popularity thanks to the insanely successful marketing, led to thousands of downloads before the original copies had even made it to the big screen. Impressively, “Deadpool” managed to gross $782.6 million despite the losses due to piracy.
5. ‘Deadpool’ Was Censored
Due to excessive violence and sexual content, Deadpool’s full cut was not aired in several countries. In India in particular, the film went through several cuts just to have permission for a theatrical release, and China and Uzbekistan refused to show the film at all. Long story short, censorship, as history has often shown, is poorly received by the masses. Audiences decided they would watch the film; one way, or another.
6. ‘Deadpool’ is More Popular Than Ever
Word of mouth was the main reason for Deadpool’s success on its opening week. Again, this can be accredited to the marketing campaign. Unfortunately, this popularity is also what drives people to share it on torrenting sites as much as they do. Was Deadpool the best film of 2016? No. But it was the most memorable. And when it comes down to it, the most memorable stories are the ones that are shared the most. In the end, it’s a bittersweet thought that Deadpool’s own success is what leads to its losses.
7. ‘Deadpool 2’ is in the Works
Another factor that drives up the film’s popularity is the fact that a sequel is scheduled for release (tentative) on January 12, 2018. Most people who have already seen Deadpool are now talking about the sequel, and chatter is only going to increase as 2017 passes on.