“I know white superheroes aren’t your thing,” The Root’s resident Suge Knight, also known as our deputy managing editor, Yesha Callahan, said to me as she tasked me with writing about Deadpool 2. No, white superheroes aren’t my thing, but Ryan Reynolds is my thing, and even more so, Zazie Beetz as freakin’ Domino!
Marvel’s Domino typically looks nothing like Beetz. This comic book character looks like if Gwen Stefani in her No Doubt days, MTV’s Daria and Angelina Jolie had a baby, almost like a punk rock version of the Tomb Raider. Beetz is an obvious Black Girl Magic-laced departure from the Marvel character, and honestly, it’s one of the most refreshing things about Deadpool 2.
Once I peeped Zazie Beetz horizontally laid across a billboard, in a way that Deadpool would normally parody as a sexy lay-across, I just knew that she was going to play a special role in this movie. And I was right.
Beetz’s character, Domino, pretty much saved the day. She was a part of Deadpool’s killer team, expertly named the X-Force. Without spoiling (too much), Domino becomes the only team member Deadpool can count on. She’s also the only woman, well, black woman, so ... not saying, just saying. Fill in the blanks yourself. (Whispers: Trust black women.)
Deadpool is an unconventional superhero, often leaning on his annoying personality and “ability” of immortality to carry the narrative forward. Deadpool 2 is no different. From the first scene, we’re reminded of Wolverine’s death (a nod to Logan) and thrust directly into Deadpool’s depression, even though he was clearly destined for greater things.
The movie shows us this scene before we know what’s going on, and then Deadpool takes us back to explain how we got there. After suffering a huge loss, Deadpool wanted nothing more than to die. But we all know he can’t.
But back to Domino!
Domino is an impressive superhero who boasts luck as her power. “Luck isn’t a superpower!” Deadpool urges. But Domino ain’t got time for that. She’s too busy effortlessly and gracefully moving through the movie and saving everyone’s ass.
It’s awe-inspiring watching this black woman exhibit a freedom that’s often not afforded to black women outside of the Marvel Universe. The way she carelessly walks around, allowing everything to fall into place, might even bring a tear to your eye. I know I teared up, knowing that black people in America don’t have this beautiful and luxurious superpower.
Furthermore, can we get into the loveliness that is her #BlackGirlMagic all up and through this film? From her wild Afro to her ample curves and around-the-way-girl attitude, Beetz is wonderful to watch. And without a shadow of a doubt, she proves that luck might be the best superpower there is.
Interestingly enough, Deadpool 2 tasks itself with addressing racism in a very Deadpool way. It also keeps a thread of humanity, redemption, death, child abuse and inclusion throughout.
Can I just say I laughed until I cried? Deadpool 2 is a killer comedy—see what I did there? From Wade needing to grow his legs back and, in the interim, rocking baby legs and a shirt without pants, to his trusty “sidekick”—Indian-cabdriver-with-a-thirst-for-blood Dopinder—and his obsession with killing people, to Deadpool referring to Cable as Thanos (it’s funny because they’re both played by Josh Brolin), I couldn’t stop giggling.
And you won’t, either. Do yourself a favor and check out Deadpool 2, even if it’s only to see Zazie Beetz kick ass, take names and perfectly toss her Afro in slow motion.
Check out our interview with Zazie above!