Fans who have seen Deadpool and Wolverine are likely the most excited about the film’s many cameos, such as the appearance of Elektra, the lead character in one of Marvel’s most infamous flops.
There are numerous unexpected appearances in Deadpool & Wolverine, ranging from subtle jokes such as Chris Evans reprising his role as the Human Torch to significant returns of characters from previous films, like X-23.
However, one of the most unexpected developments is the reappearance of Jennifer Garner as Elektra, a character that may have slipped from the minds of many viewers amidst the plethora of Marvel films released nowadays.
Over the years, Elektra has remained one of Marvel’s most beloved and significant characters. Unfortunately, this popularity did not carry over to her portrayal in film. However, Deadpool & Wolverine finally gave her the respect and recognition that she deserved, something that the Fox films failed to do.
2005’s Elektra: Marvel’s Biggest Box Office Flop
Garner made her first appearance as Elektra in 2003’s Daredevil, a movie that was somewhat out of place in the world of comic book adaptations. While Blade and X-Men had already established the tone for these types of films, Daredevil stood out with its nu-metal soundtrack and impressive fight scenes, but it didn’t quite fit the formula that had been established at the time.
Despite its desire to be cool and gritty while also staying true to the comics, Daredevil included numerous references to the source material. Many characters were named after the artists and writers who created them, but the most significant nod was the death of Elektra, which directly mirrored her demise at the hands of Bullseye in the comics.
Despite mixed reviews, Daredevil was financially successful enough to justify expanding the franchise. This was made easier by the fact that the film had included elements that hinted at a potential sequel, such as the implication that Elektra may have survived her fatal injury from her own sai.
The standalone Elektra movie depicts her being brought back to life by Stick (portrayed by Terence Stamp) and fast-forwards her story several years, where she has honed her skills as a deadly assassin with limited precognitive abilities. Despite being hired for an assassination, Elektra has a change of heart and becomes a protector for her intended victims, defending them against the threat of The Hand.
Despite its release during a time when comic book movies were gaining popularity, Elektra was still considered a major failure. Its lack of buzz among fans remained unchanged, despite the use of one-dimensional assassins named after characters from the source material, as evidenced by numerous metrics. This was in 2005, with Daredevil already a distant memory and the highly successful films Spider-Man 2 and X2 having recently reignited the interest of the comic-going audience. Additionally, the highly anticipated debut of Nolan’s Batman was just a few months away, making Elektra’s lack of success even more apparent.
Despite the film currently sitting at an 11% Tomatometer on Rotten Tomatoes, it has received mostly negative reviews. The movie also failed to make a profit at the box office, only earning $57 million with a budget ranging from $43 to $65 million. To put this into context, these numbers are similar to the underwhelming DOOM film released in 2005. In fact, the poorly received Blade Trinity, which came out less than a month prior, performed better, making $132 million on a budget of $65 million.
Despite its efforts, the film failed to secure the highly sought-after MTV Movie Award for Best Kiss. The scene between Garner and Natassia Malthe, which was intended to be a “kiss of death”moment, was overshadowed by Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling’s iconic kiss in The Notebook. However, it must be noted that the competition was tough that year.
Deadpool and Wolverine Help Redeem Elektra
And thus, once again we find ourselves in familiar territory: a former lead of a highly successful comic book franchise returning for a final appearance. This trend has been seen in various instances, such as Michael Keaton reprising his role as Batman and Toby Maguire returning as Spider-Man.
Despite this, Garner’s reprisal of her role as Elektra in the crossover film Deadpool & Wolverine has a distinct tone. In her brief appearance, she is placed in The Void alongside other characters such as Dafne Keen’s X-23, Wesley Snipes’ Blade, and Channing Tatum as Gambit. As with the other characters, the circumstances of her arrival are unknown and unimportant. All that matters is that she is now part of a rebellion against Cassandra Nova.
Despite not being given much to do in the film, Elektra is treated with a surprising level of respect. Her cameo adds a tongue-in-cheek aspect to her appearance, but she still manages to have some cool moments in the spotlight. In fact, she is arguably taken more seriously than Blade or Gambit in the same scene. The film does not treat Elektra as a joke, but rather showcases her as a formidable character.
The redemption portrayed in the cameo of Elektra in Deadpool & Wolverine is reminiscent of the type of redemption often seen in the character Blade. Despite the fact that both Daredevil and Elektra have not aged well, fans still hold a fondness for Garner’s performance as Elektra. It’s easy to overlook the fact that Garner was a highly popular actor at the time. While Elektra’s cameo may be a small part of the overall film, it stands out as one of the most impactful moments due to its sincere portrayal of the character and the actor.
Future Plans for Elektra
It is uncertain when or where we will see Elektra again. The last time the character was featured in a live-action adaptation was in Daredevil Season 2 and The Defenders, played by French actress Elodie Yung. While Daredevil will be returning in Born Again, it is believed that Yung’s Elektra died in The Defenders and there has been no announcement of her reprising the role.
Elektra shed her assassin ways in a 2020 arc, becoming Marvel’s second Daredevil.
Fortunately, Elektra is currently a prominent figure in Daredevil comics. When Matt Murdock was imprisoned, she stepped up and assumed the role of Daredevil, sporting a costume that some may argue is superior to the original. She has since retained the Daredevil title and even has her own series, where she crosses paths with Marvel’s newest Punisher.
Regarding Garner, it seems improbable that we will witness her reprising this role. However, Elektra’s survival leaves the possibility of anything happening. Despite this potentially being Elektra’s final appearance, she received a fitting ending, bravely sacrificing herself to protect Deadpool’s world – even if that world only consisted of nine strangers to her.
Rest assured, if you’re seeking more Deadpool & Wolverine content, we have you covered. Our comprehensive coverage includes a breakdown of all the Deadpool & Wolverine Easter eggs, guides to their variants, and a ranked list of every MCU movie.
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