What's the connection between Deadpool and Wolverine?

Deadpool and Wolverine have a complex connection in the Marvel universe; their relationship is a mix of rivalry, camaraderie, and humor, often marked by violent fights. These two characters are first connected through their experience in the Weapon X program, which transformed them into superhuman weapons. Their interactions, whether in the comics or films, fascinate fans due to their explosive dynamic and radically opposite personalities.

When does Deadpool meet Wolverine?

In the comics, Deadpool and Wolverine first meet in Wolverine #88 (1994). From this initial encounter, their relationship is marked by violence, a recurring element in their interactions. Wolverine is often portrayed as a reluctant mentor for Deadpool, although their approaches to justice and violence differ radically. Wolverine embodies discipline and a code of honor, while Deadpool is unpredictable, sarcastic, and much freer in his actions.

In the films, fans got their first glimpse of this encounter in 2009 with X-Men Origins: Wolverine. However, this version of Deadpool did not convince fans due to the many liberties taken with the character. It wasn't until 2016, with Deadpool, that audiences saw the true Deadpool, played by Ryan Reynolds, come to life. In Deadpool 2, the interaction between the two characters is hilariously portrayed when Deadpool travels back in time to fix his failed 2009 version.

Why is Deadpool so popular?

The success of Deadpool is rooted in his unique and non-conformist character. Unlike traditional heroes like Captain America or Spider-Man, Deadpool is an irreverent anti-hero who doesn't hide his flaws. His dark humor, ability to break the fourth wall by directly addressing the readers or viewers, and exaggerated fighting style make him an especially entertaining character.

• • Irreverent humor and breaking the fourth wall: Deadpool openly mocks the conventions of superheroes while respecting them in his own way.
• • An accessible anti-hero: His humanity, marked by psychological suffering due to his immortality and inner scars, makes him more relatable to readers.
  
  

Why is Wolverine so popular?

Wolverine is beloved for his dark and solitary nature, his ability to survive extreme situations thanks to his healing factor and adamantium skeleton. Unlike Deadpool, he follows a strict moral code, although he doesn't hesitate to make tough decisions that other heroes would avoid.

• • A tortured man: Wolverine is constantly searching for identity, a struggle related to his mysterious past.
• • Power and loyalty: His devastating powers and loyalty to his loved ones make him a pillar of the Marvel universe.
  
  

The Weapon X program: a common origin

The Weapon X program is the foundational element that links Wolverine and Deadpool, as both endured the brutal experiments of this secret government project. The goal of Weapon X was to create super-soldiers by genetically modifying individuals to transform them into living weapons. Logan, also known as Wolverine, was one of the program's first subjects, using his natural healing factor to reinforce his body by coating his skeleton with adamantium, a nearly indestructible metal. While this operation made him almost invincible, it also left deep scars, exacerbated his wild nature, and caused traumatic memory loss. For Wolverine, Weapon X is both a symbol of power and a curse, a burden he must bear.

For Deadpool, or Wade Wilson, the program had a different but equally significant impact. Suffering from terminal cancer, Wade agreed to participate in the experiments as a last hope for survival. The program's scientists, inspired by the work done on Wolverine, implanted a similar healing factor in him, capable of regenerating his tissues at a tremendous speed. Although this stopped the cancer's progression, the treatments left his body horribly disfigured and contributed to his madness. Instead of becoming a disciplined weapon, Deadpool turned into an unpredictable figure, with a dark humor that hides his deep psychological pain.

Deadpool's sexuality: a non-conformist approach

Deadpool does nothing like the others, and this includes his sexuality. Known for his laid-back attitude and crazy humor, he also stands out for his openly pansexuality, which reflects his unique approach to life: without labels, without rules. For him, love and attraction have no limits. He flirts with whoever he wants, men, women, or even more unexpected characters, often just for the sake of surprise.

This unpredictability is an integral part of what makes him so popular. He rejects conventions, preferring to live by his own rules. His relaxed attitude towards sexuality adds a fresh touch to the Marvel universe, where heroes typically follow more traditional patterns. For Deadpool, seduction is a game, a way to have fun and mock norms while staying true to himself.

But beyond humor, this freedom embodies his life philosophy: being authentic, no matter what. He does not seek to be a role model, but he inspires through his refusal to conform. For fans, this makes him a symbol of diversity and acceptance, someone who celebrates differences instead of hiding them.

Deadpool and Wolverine in the comics: Rivals or allies?

The relationship between Deadpool and Wolverine in the comics constantly shifts between rivalry and alliance. In some storylines, they are fierce adversaries, as seen in Wolverine #88, where their physical confrontations are brutal. However, in other stories, they team up, particularly within X-Force, a group of superheroes more violent and morally ambiguous than the classic X-Men.

This dynamic is explained by their shared experiences in the Weapon X program, as well as their differing approaches. Wolverine is a disciplined leader, while Deadpool is a true whirlwind of chaos. However, their mutual respect grows over time, and although they do not always admit it, they form a formidable team when circumstances require it.

What does the future hold for Deadpool and Wolverine in the MCU?

The future of Deadpool and Wolverine in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is one of the most anticipated topics for fans. The upcoming film, Deadpool 3, is generating a lot of excitement as it marks the return of Hugh Jackman as Wolverine, alongside Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool. This duo promises to deliver an explosive mix of wild humor and violent fights, true to the spirit of the comics. It will also be the first R-rated film in the MCU, meaning it will retain the irreverent tone and brutal action scenes that define Deadpool's character.

Expectations are even higher as Deadpool 3 will introduce mutants into the Marvel cinematic universe, opening the door for other iconic characters from the X-Men franchise. This transition is crucial because, until now, the X-Men and MCU heroes existed in separate universes. This film will mark the first real integration of these characters, with potentially significant implications for future storylines.

For fans, the dynamic between Deadpool and Wolverine, already well-established in the comics, should be magnified on screen. The two characters, with their diametrically opposed personalities – one serious and grim, the other eccentric and talkative – form an unexpected but extremely effective duo.

The impact of Disney's acquisition of Fox

Disney's acquisition of 20th Century Fox in 2019 marked a turning point for the Marvel universe, particularly for characters from the X-Men franchise, including Wolverine and Deadpool. Before this acquisition, the film rights to the X-Men belonged to Fox, which had created two distinct universes: that of the X-Men on one side, and that of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) on the other. Although Wolverine and Deadpool belonged to Marvel Comics, they operated in a separate cinematic universe, with no possibility of integration into the MCU.

With this acquisition, Disney regained the rights to the mutant characters, finally allowing their integration into the MCU. This move immediately generated immense anticipation among fans, particularly around how characters like Wolverine, previously played by Hugh Jackman, and Deadpool, played by Ryan Reynolds, would be adapted in this expanded universe. Deadpool 3 will be the first film to explore this new dynamic, marking the first true entry of these characters into the shared MCU universe. This film is also eagerly awaited because it will retain Deadpool's R-rated identity while exploring how he will interact with established MCU characters, including Wolverine.

This acquisition also reopened the door for Hugh Jackman to reprise his iconic role as Wolverine, a decision that would have seemed impossible without the Disney-Fox merger. Previously, Jackman had declared that his role as Wolverine had ended with Logan (2017). However, with this new opportunity, he can appear alongside Deadpool in a setting that combines Deadpool's irreverence and violence with the more "polished" MCU universe, creating enormous potential for new dynamic interactions between these two characters.

How do violence and humor bring Deadpool and Wolverine closer together?

The relationship between Deadpool and Wolverine is marked by their ability to combine violence and humor. Wolverine, often serious and disciplined, finds himself reluctantly in the role of a mentor to Deadpool. On the other hand, Deadpool loves to provoke Wolverine, using his absurd humor to unsettle the grimmer hero.

This dynamic between Wolverine's seriousness and Deadpool's irreverence creates a unique chemistry that captivates fans. The brutal violence of their fights, combined with dark humor and the absurd situations Deadpool creates, results in a duo that, despite their differences, works perfectly. Deadpool, with his tendency to break the fourth wall, does not hesitate to openly mock Wolverine, creating memorable and hilarious scenes that strengthen their relationship. Wolverine, though he tries to remain stoic, begrudgingly comes to appreciate Deadpool's unpredictable nature.

Their interactions, between humor and brutality, are what make this relationship so special and beloved by fans, whether in the comics or on the big screen.

The multiple versions of Wolverine in the Multiverse

The concept of the Marvel Multiverse, introduced in films such as Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness and Spider-Man: No Way Home, opens the door to alternative versions of Wolverine. In the comics, several variants already exist:

• • Old Man Logan: An aging version of Wolverine, disillusioned by a post-apocalyptic future.
• • X-23: The female version of Wolverine, a clone who takes his place as the protector of mutants.
• • Zombie Wolverine: An infected Wolverine from the Marvel Zombies universe.
• • Weapon X Wolverine: An even more brutal and uncontrollable version, often seen in his early years.

By MySuperSuit Team