Deadpool has been one of the most loved characters ever created by Marvel Comics, and fans have long pondered why he took so long to make his cinematic debut. Their pleas were finally answered when Deadpool made his first appearance in 2009's X-Men Origins: Wolverine. However, instead of delighting fans, this version of Deadpool left many feeling enraged due to its poor portrayal.
The journey from Deadpool’s first appearance in X-Men Origins: Wolverine to his upcoming movie alongside Wolverine has been an epic ride. Let's explore this transformation and understand the reasons behind the initial disappointment.
Deadpool's First Appearance in Wolverine Origins
In X-Men Origins: Wolverine, Ryan Reynolds portrayed Wade Wilson, who later becomes Deadpool. Initially introduced as a member of a special team of mutants engaged in global tactical operations, he later appears as Deadpool. However, this rendition was heavily criticized by fans because Fox Studios stripped away essential elements of the character.
Known as the Merc With a Mouth, Deadpool is famous for his jokes, breaking the fourth wall, and constantly annoying his enemies. Unfortunately, in this film adaptation, his mouth was sewed shut, robbing him of his iconic trait. Additionally, instead of wielding his trusty katanas, he was given long retractable swords, which seemed out of place. To top it off, Fox granted him laser eyes and the ability to teleport, further straying from the source material.
Fans eagerly anticipated this live-action adaptation, but the result led to outrage and contributed to the film's low ratings. What drove this inaccurate representation? Let's delve deeper.
What Happened to Deadpool in Wolverine Origins
During its production in 2009, X-Men Origins: Wolverine was a costly project, with visual effects managed by Amalgamated Dynamics Inc. Alec Gillis, co-founder of the company, shared insights on why Deadpool's character was mishandled. Initially, the film was supposed to serve as the introduction to Deadpool, paving the way for his standalone movie, which led Gillis to believe that the studio would adhere to the source material.
However, the reality was quite different. Ryan Reynolds was initially not set to perform the final combat scenes, which were filmed by his stunt double, Scott Adkins. Despite presenting over 100 costume ideas that stayed true to Deadpool's comic look, all were rejected with the reasoning that it was too soon to reveal his iconic suit.
Gillis and his team made attempts to honor the original character, but were only able to include the diamond-shaped bruise on Deadpool’s face. The studio's logic for not using traditional katanas was that since he had just escaped from a lab, he wouldn't have access to weapons. Thus, they opted for retractable blades, leading to absurd decisions about the design. Gillis remarked:
“And when we presented the blades, we of course considered length because, well, how else would he bend his elbow?” The studio’s response? “Well, that doesn’t look cool. Make it longer.” – Alec Gillis
After being pressured by the studio, Gillis proposed the controversial mouth flap, which was approved. However, when scenes were filmed, it became evident that it wasn't Reynolds, which led to his return for the reshoots while the mouth flap remained.
The former VP of Production at Fox, Jeff Katz, also discussed the flawed mouth flap concept during a podcast, revealing how the character was mishandled. He quoted studio executives who believed:
“We don’t want a guy talking during a fight — that’s cheesy.” Their solution? “The door opens and it’s Deadpool and he’s got no mouth. Wolverine looks at him: ‘Gee, Wade. Looks like you’re the Merc without a mouth now.’”
This mishandling stripped away the essence of the character, leading many to deem it the worst adaptation of Deadpool. Yet, this experience ultimately set the stage for the beloved portrayal we now cherish. Ryan Reynolds, a long-time fan of Deadpool, was deeply affected by the character's initial representation and dedicated himself to delivering the authentic Deadpool experience to audiences. His efforts culminated in the release of the first standalone Deadpool movie in 2016, which was a massive success.
Now, as we look forward to the anticipated film featuring both Deadpool and Wolverine, it's clear that this journey has shaped Deadpool into a character celebrated by fans and regarded as a savior of the Marvel franchise. From a stitched mouth to a comic-accurate superhero, Deadpool's evolution is a testament to the power of fan passion and persistence!
