Inspiration

Important branding lessons we can learn from Deadpool & Wolverine

Deadpool is one of today’s most popular superheroes, while Wolverine remains a beloved character among X-Men fans. The Deadpool vs. Wolverine Movie is more than a superhero movie, it’s an epic cultural movement . So, let’s explore what makes this marketing strategy stand out and what companies can learn from it.

Social Media Engagement

The main characters of the movie being active on social media bring a lot of engagement and interest to the film, playing key roles in their branding and marketing. Their playful banter and interactions with each other on social media, while staying witty, funny, and authentic, attract a lot of attention and keep the conversation going for the movie.

Their social media posts bring a lot of excitement to the movie, making fans not want to miss it.

Tip: Engaging your audience with the personality, fun and direct approach can bring a lot of interest to the brand.

Trailers that bring excitement

Breaking the fourth wall is common in the Deadpool series, especially in the movies. However, this time, the initial trailers made a huge impact on audiences. Filled with action and melodrama typical of a Deadpool trailer, the appearance of Wolverine brought even more excitement to fans. Imagine seeing this trailer for the first time or viewing it in the cinema, it created a lot of buzz, thrilling not just Deadpool fans but also X-Men fans.

Tip: Combine familiar elements with unexpected surprises in your marketing to maximize excitement and engagement.

Special Appearance from the Main Characters

Surprise! Deadpool and Wolverine, or Ryan and Hugh, appearing on special programs not only attract the interest of fans but also draw in regular viewers of the programs.

The great thing about these appearances is that they aren’t limited to specific places to attract their own fans, they go to every possible venue, even ones you wouldn’t expect. From Comic Con to Bachelorette ads, Stray Kids’ music video, Press Your Luck Game Show, Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix, and the Petco Park Drone Show, you can spot them in the most unexpected places.

It didn’t stop there, surprise appearances from X-Men cast members, Chris Evans as the Human Torch from Fantastic Four (who is now Captain America), Channing Tatum as Gambit, and Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds’ wife, as Lady Deadpool, brought unmatched attention to the movie, elevating the experience for audiences.

Tip: Take your brand to unexpected places to create more awareness and interest.

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Special Collaboration for Marketing

They carefully choose to collaborate with witty and quirky brands that reflect their personalities. In terms of marketing, it’s more than just putting their faces on products, the entire brand image shifts according to the movie’s direction. A memorable example of viral marketing is the Heinz Ketchup and Mustard ads. Not only did it go viral, but it also created buzz for both the movie and the products, which are now associated with the Deadpool-Wolverine image in everyday life. Other product ads/marketing collaborations include Heineken, Jack in the Box, and Old Spice, which not only are well-known brands but also bring significant attention to both the brands and the movie.

Tip: Make sure that your brand partnerships align with the tone and direction of your overall branding to create a lasting impact.

Characteristic Study

The characters in the movie stay true to their authentic selves, yet remain closely tied to the film, making it more than just a promotion. This connection brings the audience closer, making them feel as though the characters are part of their lives, even if only for the film’s approximate two-hour runtime. It keeps people talking long after the movie ends.

Combining nostalgic feelings brings together all kinds of audiences, from Wolverine’s comeback to the use of N’Sync’s ‘Bye Bye Bye in the movie, creating even more buzz and shares. This also sparks discussions on social media, drawing significant attention to the film.

Tip: Stay authentic while using nostalgia to connect with diverse audiences. This sparks discussions and keeps your brand relevant long after the initial engagement.

Merch and more…

They know exactly what fans want and how to keep them talking about it long after the release. Merchandise, especially for this movie, has generated significant attention on social media and among fans. From the quirky Wolverine mouth-opening popcorn bucket and the playful Deadpool versions to figurines, graphic tees with iconic quotes, and a buddy comic featuring both characters, the products are a hit. They even created an ad for the popcorn bucket, which not only made fans eager to own it but also encouraged them to head to cinemas to buy it and enjoy the movie.

Tip: A well-crafted campaign that tied to your brand can turn products into must-have items, boosting sales and encouraging customer participation.

That’s what modern marketing is all about – building experiences that resonate, engage, and ultimately, drive fans (and customers) to action. So, take a page from Deadpool and Wolverine’s book: be bold, be funny, and maybe break the fourth wall from time to time.

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