Get ready, Marvel maniacs, because Deadpool & Wolverine is a multiversal buffet of mayhem! When the trailers hinted at a wild romp through alternate realities, fans were ecstatic at the prospect of encountering a legion of Deadpool and Wolverine variants. Marvel Studios certainly didn’t disappoint, stuffing the film with a smorgasbord of surprise cameos that had audiences gasping and cheering.
SPOILERS AHEAD. DO NOT READ UNLESS YOU’VE SEEN THE MOVIE.
If you thought Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman were enough, buckle up, because you’re about to meet a whole slew of their counterparts. From a pint-sized Wolverine to a suave, smokin’ hot motorcycle version played by Henry Cavill, this film is a celebration of everything that makes these characters so iconic. Here are some of the important Deadpool and Wolverine variants in the movie.
Wolverine Variants
1. Comic-Accurate (Short) Wolverine
In a hilarious twist, Deadpool & Wolverine introduces a delightful array of Wolverine variants, each with their own unique quirks and characteristics. One particularly memorable variant pays homage to the character’s comic book origins, showcasing a comically short Wolverine closer to his true 5’3″ stature from the funny books. While this version serves as a comedic foil to Hugh Jackman’s towering 6’2″ portrayal, it also offers a playful nod to fans who have long yearned for a more comics-accurate depiction of the character.
This comedic twist also serves as a meta-commentary on the evolution of Wolverine in film. The original casting of Jackman, while beloved by fans, deviated from the character’s canonical appearance and despite not adhering to established parameters, fans have had no issue with it.
2. Age of Apocalypse Wolverine
Deadpool’s multiversal escapades take a dark and brutal turn when he stumbles into the dystopian Earth-295, home to the infamous 1990’s Age of Apocalypse comic event. Here, he encounters Weapon Omega, a feral and enraged Wolverine driven to madness by the apocalyptic events of his reality. Sporting a wild mane and a missing left hand, this Wolverine variant is a far cry from the noble hero we’re familiar with. Their encounter is brief but intense, leaving a lasting impression of the sheer brutality and despair that defines this alternate world.
3. Uncanny X-Men #251’s Crucified Wolverine
In a chilling homage to a classic Wolverine comic cover, Deadpool & Wolverine transports Wade Wilson to a rain-soaked landscape strewn with bloodied skulls. There, crucified upon a colossal yellow X, we find a tormented Logan. This haunting tableau is a direct reference to the iconic Marc Silvestri cover of 1989’s Uncanny X-Men #251, a scene forever etched in the minds of comic book enthusiasts.
While the film doesn’t delve into the specifics of this particular Wolverine’s suffering, the image itself speaks volumes. The crucified Wolverine, a symbol of pain and sacrifice, serves as a stark reminder of the hero’s burdens and the toll that his battles have taken on him.
4. Old Man Logan
Among the diverse Wolverines unleashed, a certain grizzled variant stands out, bearing a striking resemblance to the iconic Old Man Logan from Mark Millar and Steve McNiven’s beloved comic series. Sporting a weathered appearance, a mountain-dwelling abode, and a penchant for shotguns, this Wolverine exudes the gritty aura of a seasoned gunslinger.
Could this variant be a fusion of Old Man Logan with Clint Eastwood’s iconic cowboy persona? The makeup, scars, and even the scrapyard setting hint at a possible homage to the legendary actor and director.
5. Patch
Stepping into a bustling casino, Deadpool encounters a suave Wolverine sporting a white tuxedo and a rakish eyepatch. Instantly recognising his alter ego, Deadpool greets him as ‘Patch’, a nod to Wolverine’s covert operations within the criminal underworld nation of Madripoor.
This dapper Wolverine variant is a fun throwback to the character’s 80s comic book adventures, showcasing a different side of Logan’s personality. The inclusion of Patch not only expands the film’s exploration of the multiverse but also serves as a delightful Easter egg for longtime fans.
6. Cavillrine (Henry Cavill’s Wolverine)
As the Merc with a Mouth enters a dimly lit warehouse, he finds a mysterious figure clad in a white vest, tinkering with a motorcycle. With a playful jab at the actor’s resemblance to the fan-favourite casting choice, Deadpool quips, “You look like Henry Cavill.” To his surprise, the figure turns around, revealing none other than Cavill himself, embodying a rugged and intense Wolverine.
This unexpected cameo is a delightful treat for fans, acknowledging the widespread desire for Cavill to don the adamantium claws. The scene not only serves as a playful nod to fan casting but also as a cheeky jab at DC’s handling of the actor’s Superman tenure. Marvel Studios, it seems, is eager to showcase the potential that was left untapped in the DCEU. With bulging biceps and a smoldering cigar, Cavill’s Wolverine exudes a rugged charm and a hint of danger, leaving audiences hungry for more.
Oh, and watch Cavill cocking his arms in the scene to release his claws. SATISFYING!
7. John Byrne’s Brown & Yellow Wolverine
Deadpool & Wolverine pays homage to a beloved era of comics by featuring a Wolverine variant sporting the classic brown and tan costume designed by John Byrne in the 1980s. This nostalgic nod, complete with a shout-out from Deadpool himself, delights fans who fondly remember this iconic look from the pages of the Uncanny X-Men comics.
The scene is further enriched by a clever visual reference to the Todd McFarlane and Bob Wiacek cover for 1988’s Incredible Hulk #340, with the Hulk’s reflection shimmering in Wolverine’s claws. Though brief, this encounter is a delightful Easter egg that leaves a lasting impression, fueling speculation about potential future showdowns between these two iconic characters.
Deadpool Variants
1. Nicepool
Deadpool & Wolverine not only showcases a plethora of Wolverines but also introduces fans to a hilarious and heartwarming variant of the Merc with a Mouth himself: Nicepool. This long-haired, gentler version of Wade, played by Ryan Reynolds, initially owns Dogpool and serves as a guide to the original Deadpool and Wolverine in their journey through the treacherous Void, though it does annoy Deadpool.
However, Nicepool’s journey in the multiverse takes a tragic turn as he meets a hilarious yet heartbreaking demise. Yet, his legacy lives on, not just through his beloved Dogpool, but also through the original Deadpool, who now wields Nicepool’s weapons.
We think that since Wade is scarred, actor Ryan Reynolds cannot show his handsome face on screen, unless Nicepool, who never wears a mask, serves as the proxy. You would want to as well if your co-star is the ever charming and handsome Hugh Jackman.
2. Dogpool
Introducing a delightful variant that steals the show: Dogpool, also known as Mary Puppins, a canine companion with a mischievous personality and an undeniable charm. Initially the pet of Nicepool, Dogpool quickly forms a bond with the original Deadpool, adding a heartwarming element to the film’s chaotic multiverse adventures. Dogpool’s presence not only provides comedic relief but also serves as a catalyst for genuine emotional connection between Deadpool and Wolverine.
3. Lady Deadpool
The reveal of Lady Deadpool was a surprise that had fans buzzing with excitement. While many speculated about the identity of the masked mercenary (from Taylor Swift to Ryan Reynolds in a wig), the film cleverly concealed her true face until the credits rolled, establishing that Blake Lively, Reynolds’ wife, is the voice of the character and er hope, actress behind the mask.
Stepping into the role of the fearless warrior, Lively brings a commanding presence and lethal skills to the Deadpool Corps, leading the charge against our protagonists with a fierce determination and dual mini machine guns. This casting choice adds a delightful layer of meta-humour to the film, referencing Deadpool’s earlier quip about his attraction to Lively’s character in Gossip Girl.
4. Headpool
Deadpool & Wolverine doesn’t shy away from embracing the absurdity of the multiverse, as evidenced by the introduction of Headpool, a zombified, floating Deadpool head voiced by MCU veteran Nathan Fillion, who portrayed various characters such as Karja in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.
This peculiar variant, a fan-favourite from the comics, brings a quirky and macabre energy to the film’s chaotic ensemble. While his backstory remains shrouded in mystery, Headpool’s presence is undeniably entertaining, his disembodied head spewing insults and hurling itself into battle with reckless abandon.
5. Kidpool
A pint-sized variant that packs a punch (and a potty mouth), Kidpool‘s presence is unforgettable. While fans speculated that Walker Scobell would take on the role, the film surprises us with a delightfully unexpected casting choice: Inez Reynolds, the daughter of Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively. Her foul-mouthed outburst, a stark contrast to her innocent appearance, perfectly encapsulates the film’s irreverent humour and R-rated charm.
6. Babypool
While Kidpool, a foul-mouthed pre-teen variant, adds a layer of youthful rebellion to the Deadpool Corps, Babypool takes the concept of alternate realities to a whole new level. Babypool, played by Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively’s own child, Olin Reynolds, may not possess the combat skills of his adult counterparts, but his innocent babbling and endearing antics provide a much-needed dose of levity amidst the chaos.
5. Cowboy Deadpool (Deadpool Kid)
Deadpool & Wolverine saddles up for a wild ride through the multiverse, introducing a rootin’ tootin’ variant that’s sure to lasso fans’ attention – Deadpool Kid. Voiced by none other than Matthew McConaughey, this sharpshooting sharpshooter brings a Southern drawl and a Wild West swagger to the Deadpool Corps.
Decked out in a classic Deadpool suit with all the cowboy trappings – boots, spurs, hat, and belt buckle – this variant stands out from the crowd with his quick-draw skills and a twangy attitude. While his screen time is limited, Deadpool Kid’s presence is a delightful surprise for fans. McConaughey’s iconic voice perfectly complements the character’s rugged charm, adding a touch of Texas flair to the already chaotic ensemble.
Although he meets a grisly end in the final battle, his brief appearance leaves a lasting impression, suggesting that even in the vast multiverse, there’s always room for a little bit of cowboy swagger.
Natalie is a big fan of anything related to movies, TV shows, games, and comics — you name it. When she’s not reading or geeking out about the latest shows on Netflix, she’s probably playing gacha and tabletop games, or daydreaming of meeting her idols.
