Key Takeaways:
– Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, and Shawn Levy painstakingly secured Madonna's permission to use her 1989 hit ‘Like a Prayer' in the Deadpool & Wolverine film.
– Unlike most songs, ‘Like a Prayer' has only been used once before in a film – Drew Barrymore's ‘Never Been Kissed.'
– The team's effort involved a personal visit to Madonna.
– Madonna, after seeing how the song would be implemented into the film, gave her approval and guidance for its adaptation.
Madonna's Rare Approval For Song Use in Deadpool & Wolverine
Fans fueling the anticipation for the forthcoming Deadpool & Wolverine film will be excited to discover an exclusive feature in the soundtrack. Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, and director Shawn Levy have pulled off an impressive maneuver: they have obtained Madonna's permission to use her iconic song ‘Like a Prayer' in the film. This achievement is significant, especially considering this song had only been used once before in Drew Barrymore's film ‘Never Been Kissed.'
Behind The Scenes: The Challenge of Securing the Music Rights
According to Reynolds and the team, securing the rights to ‘Like a Prayer' was not straightforward. In an interview with Andy Cohen on SiriusXM, they relayed that their quest to win Madonna's approval involved an actual visit to the Queen of Pop's abode. Reynolds humorously compared it to a Royal visit.
Levy recalled, “We showed Madonna the sequence where ‘Like a Prayer' would be used. It was a big deal to ask for it and certainly a bigger deal to use it. We met with her and showed her how it was being used, and where, and why.”
Madonna's Seal of Approval
During their meeting, Madonna got a glimpse of how ‘Like a Prayer' was planned to be included in one of the film's sequences. This preview turned out to be quite constructive. Madonna not only granted permission for the song's use but also provided suggestions to enhance its utilization in the movie.
Reynolds shared, “She gave a great note. She said, ‘You need to do this.' And we immediately went into a new recording session within 48 hours to do this note. It made the sequence better.”
A Significant Addition to the Film's Soundtrack
The inclusion of ‘Like a Prayer' in the film is a groundbreaking achievement. Even though Madonna's influence in the realm of popular culture is undeniable, this track has scarcely shown up in films or television shows. Fans will likely appreciate hearing this iconic song, which could impel a surge of nostalgia, admiration, and even newfound interest in Madonna's work from younger viewers.
Rarity of Madonna's Hit in Film and TV
‘Like a Prayer' has dominated the airwaves since its debut in 1989, although its on-screen appearances are few. The song has occasionally appeared in television shows like ‘In Living Color,' ‘Absolutely Fabulous,' and ‘Derry Girls.' But its usage in films remains a rarity. The only film to previously feature the song is the 1999 cult classic Never Been Kissed, starring Drew Barrymore.
Thus, the use of ‘Like a Prayer' in Deadpool & Wolverine promises to be an exciting and rare treat, potentially amplifying the movie's narrative and adding a dramatic punch to a crucial sequence of the film.
Mark your calendars! Deadpool & Wolverine is set to hit the cinemas on July 26, 2024. Let's rock to the rhythm of this iconic Madonna song while appreciating the dynamic duo's thrilling adventures.
