Two years ago, at San Diego Comic-Con 2008, I was sketching Deadpool drawings for eager fans when a group of three fans rushed to my table, visibly excited. One of them slammed their hands down, shaking the table, and exclaimed, “They showed footage of DEADPOOL! He’s awesome! He’s got the swords, he’s slicing guys left and right!” Their enthusiasm was infectious as they shared what they had seen at the Fox movie panel, praising Ryan Reynolds’ portrayal of the character.
My relationship with Deadpool has been long and well-documented. From the moment I created him in New Mutants #98, he became a larger-than-life figure, and fans quickly formed a passionate connection with him. Over the years, Deadpool has experienced numerous ups and downs, with various creators contributing to his evolving legend. Currently, he appears in at least seven comic books at Marvel, including titles like Deadpool Corps and Uncanny X-Force. His popularity rivals that of iconic characters like Wolverine and Spider-Man.
Recently, I received a bizarre letter from someone claiming to be a real-life serial killer, insisting he would be the perfect person to portray Deadpool on screen. This just goes to show how deeply Deadpool has penetrated popular culture.
In the past two years, Deadpool’s popularity has skyrocketed. Cosplayers have emerged in record numbers at conventions, and the value of his early comic book appearances has surged. I believe this surge is directly linked to Ryan Reynolds’ portrayal of Deadpool in X-Men Origins: Wolverine. His brief appearance had a significant cultural impact, reminiscent of Boba Fett’s limited screen time in the Star Wars saga. It was a perfect example of how a character can resonate with audiences despite limited exposure.
Ryan Reynolds’ star was on the rise, and with the success of both Deadpool in Wolverine and his role in The Proposal, he solidified his status as an A-list leading man. The day after Wolverine’s impressive $85 million opening weekend, Fox greenlit a Deadpool film, with Reynolds set to take center stage. This film promised to correct the missteps made in Wolverine, aligning more closely with what fans expected from the character. The fans had spoken, and they had chosen Reynolds as the face of Deadpool.
As a long-time fan of Reynolds’ work, from his early days in Three Guys and a Pizza Place to his roles in Van Wilder and Smoking Aces, I was thrilled by his casting as Deadpool. The excitement only grew when The Donner Company, responsible for the X-Films, hired the screenwriters of Zombieland to pen the Deadpool movie. It felt like a dream come true, with an A-list star, talented writers, and a reputable studio all coming together.
However, just as the ink dried on the Deadpool announcement, Warner Bros. cast Reynolds as Green Lantern, DC’s most popular character at the time. It made sense; Reynolds was in high demand. I’ve often said he’s the next Will Smith—everyone loves him, and he appeals to both men and women. He was poised to fill the shoes of leading men who had vacated the spotlight.
While filming Green Lantern, Reynolds’ stock continued to rise, and he became a sought-after leading man. As Fox searched for a director for Deadpool, Warner Bros. announced plans for Green Lantern sequels, creating a competitive landscape. The question loomed: when would Deadpool finally happen?
As a vocal cheerleader for Deadpool, I often found myself answering fans’ questions about his role in Wolverine. I assured them that Deadpool was off to a good start and that the best was yet to come. Although I had no involvement in his appearance in Wolverine, fans seemed to hold me accountable, as if I had consulted on the project. With the combination of talented writers and stars involved, I remained optimistic. However, I knew the window for a Deadpool film wouldn’t stay open forever.
The irony of Reynolds playing both Green Lantern and Deadpool is that both characters were experiencing immense popularity in the comic book world. Merchandise for both characters was flying off the shelves at conventions, despite neither having a full-length film released yet. The competition was palpable, and I found myself voicing my frustrations online, urging for a Deadpool film to be made soon.
As I analyzed the calendar, I noticed potential openings in the spring for filming. If Fox was approaching directors, it indicated they intended to shoot the film sooner rather than later. I hoped Green Lantern would be a success, not just for the sake of the franchise, but because I genuinely enjoyed the character. However, my heart belonged to Deadpool, and I wanted to see his story come to life on the big screen.
Fast forward to the present, and the new Deadpool movie is set to feature a dog! Yes, you read that right. In the upcoming film, “Deadpool & Wolverine,” Ryan Reynolds will team up with Dogpool, a canine character from an alternate reality. This exciting addition has fans buzzing with anticipation.
Interestingly, Ryan Reynolds played a significant role in selecting the real-life dog actor, named Peggy. Peggy, a six-year-old Pug and Chinese Crested Dog mix, has become a beloved character in her own right. I had the opportunity to meet Peggy’s owner and trainer, learning about her journey from an ordinary pet to a star in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
As a Marvel fan, I admit my knowledge of the comic world is limited, but I was eager to dive deeper into the lore surrounding Deadpool and Dogpool. The introduction of Dogpool in the comics in 2010 added a new dynamic to the Deadpool universe. Dogpool is portrayed as loyal, brave, and adorable, embodying the bond between a human and their canine companion.
The relationship between Deadpool and Dogpool is particularly poignant, as both characters share a tragic backstory of abandonment. This connection highlights the theme of loyalty and the unconditional love that dogs bring into our lives. Ryan Reynolds recognized this when casting Peggy, stating that she embodies the essence of Wade Wilson, the man behind the mask.
In interviews, Peggy’s owners shared their journey with her, explaining how they stumbled upon her after entering a contest for Britain’s Ugliest Dog. Winning that title opened doors for Peggy, leading to her involvement in the Deadpool film. Despite her newfound fame, her owners remain grounded, treating her like any other dog.
Peggy’s trainer, Jules Tottman, also shared insights into the world of canine acting. With a background in dog grooming and a passion for animals, Jules found her way into the film industry by chance. She emphasized the importance of training and the bond between dogs and their trainers, ensuring that the animals are comfortable and happy on set.
As the release of “Deadpool & Wolverine” approaches, fans are eager to see how Dogpool will fit into the story. The addition of this lovable canine character not only enhances the narrative but also reinforces the themes of loyalty and companionship that resonate with audiences.
In conclusion, Rob Liefeld’s creation of Deadpool has led to a cultural phenomenon that continues to evolve. The introduction of Dogpool adds a new layer to the character’s story, showcasing the bond between humans and their pets. As we await the release of the new film, it’s clear that Deadpool’s legacy is far from over, and with the addition of Dogpool, fans have even more to look forward to.
Source: Various
