Ah, Disney—where dreams come true, and apparently, where family-friendly entertainment now includes raunchy jokes about Grindr and “pounding” coworkers. Welcome to Story Time with Deadpool, folks, where your favorite anti-hero cracks jokes about gay dating apps and sex roles right in the middle of Disneyland, a place you’d think would prioritize keeping things suitable for all ages. But hey, this is 2024, and apparently, Mickey Mouse has taken a back seat to Deadpool’s R-rated humor.
The show, based on the new Deadpool & Wolverine movie, is playing at Disney’s California Adventure Park. Now, let’s be clear—this movie isn’t Bambi. We’re talking F-bombs, cocaine jokes, and all sorts of adult content. But, for some reason, Disney thought it’d be a good idea to bring this brand of humor to their theme parks, branding it as “family-friendly” and “suitable for all ages.” Because nothing screams wholesome family entertainment like Deadpool offering to “pound” a coworker or referencing Tony Stark’s Grindr profile.
Deadpool’s now at Disneyland resort making jokes about Tony Stark having profile on gay hook-up app Grindr (Next to the Disney Parks app)
What a fascinating convo that would be to explain to Walt.
Disney, what are you doing?
Credit to @finding_denny on IG pic.twitter.com/X4TXC61JLa
— Jonas J. Campbell (@JonasJCampbell) July 30, 2024
If you’re scratching your head, you’re not alone. Fans on social media are already sounding off. One user on X (formerly Twitter) called it “disgraceful and highly inappropriate,” while another commented that Deadpool’s humor doesn’t belong in a children’s amusement park. Honestly, it’s hard to disagree. When you’re taking your kids to Disneyland, you’re probably not expecting jokes about gay sex roles or dating apps to be part of the magic.
Deadpool at Disneyland resort making jokes about being the “top” while Wolverine is “the bottom.”
This is advertised by Disney as a family-friendly show. Just because kids (hopefully) don’t get the joke doesn’t mean it’s not creepy.
Disney, what are you doing?
IG: finding_denny pic.twitter.com/FVD3aKbmDv— Jonas J. Campbell (@JonasJCampbell) July 31, 2024
But Disney seems to be doubling down. Not only is Deadpool headlining this questionable theme park show, but he’s also slated to appear on their newest cruise ship next year. Because when you think Disney Cruises, the first thing that comes to mind is an R-rated character known for drug references and sex jokes, right?
Another from the same account:
Deadpool at Disney California Adventure volunteering to “pound” Star Lord.
If you listen you can hear the actor playing Wolverine say “I’m sure you would”
Disney, what are you doing? pic.twitter.com/Jyt3LgC6L2
— Jonas J. Campbell (@JonasJCampbell) July 30, 2024
Peggy Sapp, president of the National Family Partnership, hit the nail on the head when she called this move “unacceptable.” She pointed out that Disney is crossing a line by promoting characters from an R-rated film in a setting designed for children. And she’s right. While Deadpool’s humor might fly in a late-night comedy club or an R-rated movie theater, it has no place in a theme park that’s supposed to be about family-friendly fun.
Sapp also raised a crucial point about the normalization of drug use in media, drawing parallels to how smoking in movies used to be seen as “cool.” Now, we’re supposed to laugh off cocaine references in Deadpool & Wolverine like it’s no big deal? Sorry, but that’s a dangerous road to go down. And as Sapp notes, with Fentanyl poisoning deaths on the rise, drug use isn’t something to joke about.
Disney’s decision to bring Deadpool’s brand of humor into their parks feels like yet another example of the company prioritizing profits over public health and family values. Sure, Deadpool’s antics might be hilarious to some adults, but when you’re at a theme park with your kids, you shouldn’t have to worry about explaining Grindr or what “pounding” means. Disney needs to take a long, hard look at what kind of “magic” they’re selling these days. Because if this is their idea of family fun, they’ve seriously lost their way.
