Deadpool has had multiple origin stories in live-action, each with its own spin. Ryan Reynolds first brought the character to life in X-Men Origins: Wolverine. Although the film’s take on Deadpool was controversial and not widely loved, it remains a memorable debut for the character.
Why is Deadpool actually called Deadpool?
In X-Men Origins: Wolverine, Wade Wilson is part of the Weapon X program. This version of Deadpool is quite different from the comics: his mouth is sealed shut, turning him into a silent weapon. The portrayal was so controversial that Ryan Reynolds spent years trying to correct it. Eventually, Reynolds got another chance with a solo Deadpool movie, which retold the character’s origins more accurately.
In this newer version, Wade Wilson is a mercenary who discovers he has cancer. Desperate for a cure, he agrees to join an experimental program that puts him through extreme torture to trigger any latent mutations. This experiment grants him incredible healing abilities but leaves him with a scarred face. This film was a better fit within the Fox Marvel universe and closely aligned with Deadpool’s comic book character, although some details from his comic backstory were still missing on-screen.
Deadpool’s origin in the comics is rooted in humor. Created by Rob Liefeld, Deadpool was initially a parody of a DC character named Deathstroke, who is a villain in the Teen Titans series. Deathstroke, portrayed by Manu Bennett in Arrow and Joe Manganiello in Zack Snyder’s DC films, served as the inspiration for Deadpool.
In the comics, Wade Wilson joins the Weapon X program to gain superpowers. When his attempt fails, he is sent to a facility that experiments on Weapon X dropouts. These experiments lead to his disfigured appearance, as his cancer is now on his skin, giving him a grotesque look. The term “Deadpool” also refers to a betting pool where participants wagered on which test subject would die first.
Wade is in constant agony and wants to die so he can meet Lady Death, his love interest. However, his plan to provoke the test group leader, Ajax, into killing him backfires. Ajax ends up killing the other subjects, and when he finally kills Wade, it triggers Wade’s healing factor. Unable to die, Wade’s mind becomes fractured, leading him to become the quirky and unhinged Deadpool.
The film adaptation simplifies this story by focusing on Wade’s desire to die and his love for Lady Death, but it creatively pairs him with Vanessa, another love interest from the comics. This approach keeps Deadpool’s comic history in mind while providing a more accessible narrative for the audience.
In summary, while Deadpool’s film origins have evolved from a controversial start to a beloved portrayal, his comic book origins provide a darker, more complex backstory.
