The Deadpool Variants Missing from Deadpool and Wolverine

Contains spoilers for “Deadpool & Wolverine”

“Deadpool & Wolverine” gave Wade Wilson fans just about everything they wanted, including a multiverse of Deadpool variants like Dogpool and Cowboy Deadpool. But even with everything Shawn Levy and Ryan Reynolds packed into this tribute to the Fox era of superhero movies, a few notable Deadpool variants were still missing.

Despite featuring over a dozen Deadpool variants, including the deadly Deadpool Corps, some iconic versions of the character were left out. While some of these variants, rooted in animated series and video games, might have been challenging to bring to live action, the inclusion of some could have mirrored the creative approach of “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse,” which blended animated and live-action elements seamlessly.

One of the earliest portrayals of Wade Wilson comes from the Disney XD series “Ultimate Spider-Man.” In a 2013 episode titled “Ultimate Deadpool,” Spider-Man encounters Wade while trying to recover a stolen database of SHIELD secret identities. Voiced by Will Friedle, this version of Deadpool was effectively portrayed for a younger audience, capturing his essence without the gore and swearing.

Friedle’s Deadpool maintained core elements like fourth wall breaking and “un-aliving” his enemies, making it a fun yet accurate depiction. Hearing Friedle among the variants in “Deadpool & Wolverine” would have added an extra layer of fun for fans of the animated series.

Pandapool, a giant panda in a Deadpool costume, is one of the most visually distinct Deadpool variants from Cullen Bunn’s 2013 miniseries “Deadpool Kills Deadpool.” However, recreating such a unique character in live action might have been too difficult and costly, especially in a film already heavy with CGI.

Deadstroke, a character from the DC Antimatter Universe, pokes fun at the long-standing theory that Deadpool is a rip-off of DC’s Deathstroke. Initially intended by co-creator Fabian Nicieza as a playful nod to Slade Wilson, Deadstroke could have been a fun addition but might have been too close to copyright infringement.

Hello Kittypool, a mash-up between Deadpool and Hello Kitty, appears briefly in the “Deadpool Kills” series as a visual Easter egg. Due to legal constraints and the complexity of including such a character, this crossover variant was likely deemed too complicated for the film.

Fans were excited about an animated “Deadpool” series written by Donald and Stephen Glover for FX, especially given Donald’s relationship with the Marvel universe. However, creative differences led to the show’s cancellation, leaving a potential Glover-voiced Deadpool cameo in “Deadpool & Wolverine” as an unfulfilled wish.

In the film, Logan and Wade are warned about the Deadpool Corps by Nicepool, a cheerful variant played by Reynolds. However, in Cullen Bunn’s series, similar warnings were delivered by Birdpool, a member of the Evil Deadpool Corps. Including Birdpool might have overshadowed Dogpool or required more explanation than the film aimed to provide.

President Deadpool, seen in Cullen Bunn’s series, is easily recognizable in his presidential formal wear. Yet, including him during a contentious American election year might have caused too much anxiety for the producers. Additionally, his appearance might have seemed redundant, given similarities to President Loki from “Loki.”

“Deadpool & Wolverine” could have featured Ryan Reynolds playing a third variant: Wade Wilson from “X-Men Origins: Wolverine.” Given the negative reception of his first Deadpool portrayal, bringing back this variant might not have been top of mind for Reynolds, especially since he technically killed this version in “Deadpool 2” during his timeline-traveling adventures.