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Is Deadpool Marvel or DC? Cinematic Universe & Origin Explained


Deadpool is coming to the MCU
Credit: Marvel

Since the release of the first Deadpool film in 2016, It didn't take long for Deadpool to become one of the public's favorite Marvel characters.

As the first R-rated Marvel film, the producers at Fox were nervous about how well the film would be received among critics.

However, the film ended up being the most successful superhero film from 20th Century Fox, beating all X-Men films and it is still the third highest-grossing R-rated movie of all time (beaten only by Deadpool 2 and Joker).

Now, the question is, which franchise (and universe) does the Merc with the Mouth belong to?

RELATED: Why is Deadpool Obsessed with Spider-Man? Marvel Comics Relationship Explained

When Was Deadpool Created?

Wade Wilson waiting for Francis to show up in Deadpool
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Credit: Marvel

Deadpool aka Wade Wilson was first created and introduced to Marvel Comics by writers Fabian Nicieza and Rob Liefield in February 1991.

The character first appeared as a supervillain in #98 of The New Mutants and this continued within other issues of X-force before he began to become the antihero that fans love today and teamed up with other famous Marvel characters like Spider-Man.

The character was greatly inspired by DC's Deathstroke which is where some fans get the two confused. It doesn't help that Deadpool's suit came from Spider-Man's, either.

Nicieza and Liefield both have an inside joke that as the characters have the same surname (Wade Wilson and Slade Wilson) perhaps they are related even though they reside in different universes.

READ MORE: MCU vs. DCU's Multiverse Explained: 5 Biggest Differences in Both Franchises

Is Deadpool in DC?

Deadpool looks an awful lot like Red Tool
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Credit: DC Comics

Both DC and Marvel have thrived off of creating competing characters, whether that be characters with similar powers, origins stories, looks, names, or general flavor.

Deadpool is absolutely no different and fans can often get confused thinking that Deadpool is in the DC Universe when it is in fact Red Tool that they're looking at.

Both characters look extremely similar in costume and come across as just as crazy in their personality. However, Red Tool doesn't have the same powers as Deadpool, nor does he break the fourth wall.

The irony, of course, is that because Deadpool was mostly inspired by DC's Deathstroke character, the chicken-and-egg cycle of what caused what seems never-ending!

However, it's important to note that Deadpool is only found within the Marvel Universe and not DC.

RELATED: Can Deadpool Die?

How Did Deadpool Get His Powers?

Deadpool got his powers to take away his cancer
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Credit: Marvel

Wade Wilson would say firsthand that his two greatest powers are actually his wit and charm.

However, on top of that, his primary powers would be his extraordinary healing abilities. He is able to regenerate limbs and even if he was ripped apart into a million pieces, his body would still be able to regenerate.

Like all members of the X-men, Deadpool is a mutant. However, unlike most, the X-gene that triggers all mutations lay dormant in him and had to be activated through a painful process that involved mixing serum with extreme pain and torture.

In the Deadpool film, we actually see him being kept in a chamber that gives him just the right amount of oxygen that keeps him in a constant state of suffocation.

As well as his healing abilities, he has superhuman strength (some say more than Captain America), stamina, agility, and reflexes.

These abilities, mixed with being able to break the fourth wall and speak to the reader/audience make him the best and the funniest mercenary in the Marvel Universe. Hence the nickname, The Merc With The Mouth.

READ MORE: Are Mutants Canon in the MCU?

Deadpool in The MCU

Deadpool at comic-con
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Due to the purchase of 20th Century Fox by The Walt Disney Company in 2020, viewers can now look forward to the third installment of the Deadpool franchise being set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe!

Deadpool fans were concerned at the idea of Disney now being the owner of Deadpool due to the fact that future films could lose their adult sense of humor.

However, fans need not worry as producer and Marvel Studios boss Kevin Feige has confirmed that Deadpool 3 will retain its R-rating. Whether it appears on Disney Plus however may be a different story.

Related: Is Spider-Man Marvel or DC?

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