Spoiler alert. This article contains minor spoilers for Deadpool & Wolverine.

Summary

Deadpool & Wolverinemade a subtle detail fromMarvel Comicscanon after it was ignored by Fox’sX-Menmovies for years. The release ofDeadpool & Wolverinemarks a significant milestone for Marvel, as it bridges the gap between the beloved anti-hero Deadpool’s universe and the expansiveMarvel Cinematic Universe timeline. The movie continues Deadpool’s irreverent and action-packed adventures but also adds some essential aspects of his comic book history.

Deadpool & Wolverinebid farewell to Fox’s Marvel movies through a gripping multiverse adventure. Directly addressing the end of one universe and the continuation of the MCU,Deadpool & Wolverineis filled with cameos and comic book details. TheseDeadpool & Wolverinereferenceshelped flesh out the movie’s meta sensibilities and ground the movie in superhero lore. One notable instance concerns Deadpool, himself, and could prove that the MCU is already handling the character better than Fox.

The poster for Deadpool & Wolverine (2024) next to Emma Corin as Cassandra Nova atop a blurred image of the MCU’s Avengers

Deadpool & Wolverine Ending Explained

Deadpool & Wolverine’s ending is filled with multiversal stakes, insane cameos, and big teases for the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

The MCU Confirms Wade Wilson’s Middle Name

Deadpool’s Full Name Is Wade Winston Wilson

Early inDeadpool & Wolverine, a pivotal scene features the introduction of TVA agent Paradox, who refers to Deadpool by his full name: Wade Winston Wilson. This moment is significant as it marks thefirst time Deadpool’s middle name has been acknowledged in a movie. Prior to this, theX-Menmovie timelinereferred to Deadpool by his alias and the name Wade Wilson, leaving his middle name undisclosed. The mention of “Wade Winston Wilson” deepens the character’s background in the MCU but also aligns closely with his comic book origins, offering a nod to longtime readers of the source material.

This revelation underscores the MCU’s commitment to maintaining a comic-accurate portrayal of its characters. By including such details, the filmmakers ensure that Deadpool’s transition into the MCUfeels authentic and respectful of his established lore. This move also sets a precedent for future adaptations, encouraging a faithful representation of characters' histories and identities as depicted in the comics.

Deadpool and wolverine with Old Man Logan cover

Wolverine’s Tragic Backstory In Deadpool & Wolverine Has Roots In A Shocking X-Men Comics Storyline

Deadpool & Wolverine adapts a familiar moment from X-Men movies and X-Men comic book lore to create the most harrowing backstory for Wolverine.

Deadpool’s Middle Name Comes From Marvel Comics

Wade’s Middle Name Was Confirmed In Cable & Deadpool

Deadpool’s middle name, Winston, originates from Marvel Comics. It was first revealed in theCable & Deadpoolcomic series in 2004 - a series whichhelped launch the character’s immense popularity. Interestingly, it was subsequently suggested that Wade Winston Wilson, may not be Deadpool’s name after all.

The Marvel villain T-Ray emerges, claiming to be the true Wade Winston Wilson. T-Ray’s vendetta against Deadpool is fueled by his assertion that Deadpool stole his identity after leaving him for dead. According to T-Ray, Deadpool’s real name is Jack, not Wade. This subplotadds complexity and intrigue to Deadpool’s backstory, blurring the lines between truth and deception.

Deadpool LMDs in Marvel Comics

Additionally, Wade Wilson’s name was chosen as a playful homage to Deadpool’s similarities with DC Comics' Deathstroke, whose real name is Slade Wilson. The name Wade Wilson was deliberately chosen to reflect this connection,further enhancing Deadpool’s role as a satirical and self-aware characterwithin the Marvel Universe.

Every Wolverine Variant In Deadpool & Wolverine Explained

Several Wolverine variants pop up in Deadpool & Wolverine, celebrating the character’s history both on-screen and in the pages of Marvel Comics.

The MCU Is Already Making Deadpool More Comic Accurate Than Fox

Deadpool Officially Joined The MCU In Deadpool & Wolverine

Deadpool & Wolverineexemplifies the MCU’s dedication to a comic-accurate representation of Deadpool, surpassing previous Fox adaptations in several ways. The film not only confirms Deadpool’s full name but alsoadheres to other aspects of his comic persona, thereby delivering a more faithful interpretation of the character.

One key area where the MCU’s Deadpool shines is in his interactions with the wider Marvel Universe. Unlike theisolated nature of the Fox movies,Deadpool & Wolverineplaces Deadpool within the broader context of the MCU. His banter with Wolverine and other MCU characters stays true to his comic book counterpart.

Hugh Jackman as Wolverine in Logan and the X-Men movies with Wolverine from X-Men comics

The MCU’sDeadpool & Wolverinemaintains a consistent tone that aligns with his comic origins. The humor is sharp, the action sequences are over-the-top, and the character’s self-awareness is front and center. This remains true to his roots in the Fox movies but isbetter demonstrated when deconstructing more mainstream Marvel characters.

Furthermore, the visual representation of Deadpool in the MCU adheres closely to his comic book appearance. The costume design, characterized by its vibrant red and black color scheme and distinct mask, captures the essence of the character as envisioned by comic book artists. The Fox movies tended todesaturate the color scheme in order to maintain the relatively realistic toneestablished in theX-Menmovie franchise. This attention to detail highlights the MCU’s commitment to authenticity and respect for the source material. Indeed,Deadpool & Wolverinehas already proven how the beloved antihero will be handled better by the MCU.

Ryan Reynolds' Deadpool doing the Spider-Man webshooting action while Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine drives.

Deadpool & Wolverine

Cast

A follow-up to the highly successful Deadpool and Deadpool 2 films starring Ryan Reynolds as the Merc with a Mouth. The third film will be the first in the franchise to be developed under the Marvel Studios banner following Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox.

Deadpool and Wolverine Poster Showing Wade Wilson’s Swords Showing Hugh Jackman’s Reflection