Deadpool’s star continues to rise as his role as a pop culture mainstay shows no sign of losing momentum. Every aspect that constitutes the character is now iconic. His having multiple personalities, a proclivity to break the fourth wall, and a willingness to say whatever comes to mind remain some of his more beloved qualities. All of this, in addition to his unique relationships with other Marvel heroes, allows Deadpool to withstand the test of time, even though he’s only been around for about 30 years. But there exists another facet of the character that cannot be dismissed -- his design.
Undoubtedly, the classic black and red look can never go wrong. It’s been translated well to screen and is set to soon make a return. However, the Merc with a Mouth is bound to don an alternate version of his suit on film at some point. In the event of such an occurrence, there are a few iterations of the suit we would not mind seeing make the transition from page to screen. That said, there are as many that will hopefully remain exclusive to the comics from which they are derived. Here are 10 Deadpool looks that would fit perfectly on-screen, and 10 that would not.
20 WANT: X-MEN
Deadpool has an interesting relationship with the X-Men. He's known for mocking, fighting, and wanting to join them. It's a complex situation, making it that much more compelling. Upon his taking part in their dealings, the Merc with a Mouth has to be fitted for a suit of his own. This grants him the chance to don the classic yellow and black uniform. However, he, of course, must add his own spin to it.
The Deadpool X-Suit that's highlighted here is the one wherein the red X-Men emblem is plastered across his chest. In another measure to add his special flair to the suit, Deadpool keeps his regular mask on. This design of the character is sleek and has a homemade version that appears in one of Deadpool 2's trailers. Perhaps his wearing the full apparel on-screen is closer than we think.
19 DON'T WANT: PIRATE
There does exist precedent for a pirate version of the Merc in Marvel Comics. The character design is simultaneously overt and subdued, a happy nuance that's often exclusive to Deadpool's brand of wackiness. However, this version of the anti-hero arguably gained the most prominence because of Marvel Heroes. The free-to-play MMO from Gazillion Entertainment had its trials and tribulations before ultimately succumbing to commercial failure, but the folks who played it loved it. Regardless, one aspect Gazillion always excelled at was nailing character design.
Their version of Deadpool as a pirate is interesting, too. Yet, the premise isn't so intriguing that many want to see it translated to live-action. If the Merc does get alternate costumes in his live-action ventures, we hope one opportunity isn't wasted on his donning a tri-corner hat.
18 WANT: FRENCH MAID
French Maid Deadpool is a thing, a relatively popular thing. The traction it's garnered in the fan community is evidenced in the costume appearing in High Moon Studio's Deadpool game as an alternate suit and the not-so-astonishing numbers of cosplay photos that can be found online. People have taken to this look of the character; naturally, it won't be long before the love is widespread. What better way to ensure it spreads than in having it emerge on the big screen?
In Deadpool #20, "Whatever a Spider Can: Part 2," the anti-hero wears the garb while working alongside Spider-Man. A similar usage of this particular get-up is not expected to grace the film adaptation of the character. But who can't see Ryan Reynolds' Deadpool trying on a maid outfit just for fun? The possibilities for its inclusion seem endless.
17 DON'T WANT: BEAST'S FUR
During Deadpool Kills the Marvel Universe, Deadpool turns his mind-controlled ire on the X-Men member, Beast. After killing the mutant, the Merc takes his skin and drapes it over himself as a fur coat, the latter action he performs while battling Wolverine to the death. Of course, the horrid act of violence that is intimated means this garb is unlikely to ever appear in live-action.
No doubt Ryan Reynolds' Deadpool would look good in a fur coat. In fact, the character is bound to find some reason to try on expensive clothing for a quick joke and the audience's appeasment. Let us just hope Deadpool doesn't actually wear real fur, especially not that of an X-Men member, should such an occurence take place on-screen. There are far too many other suits worthy of the creative effort.
16 WANT: X-FORCE
After joining Wolverine's strike team on X-Force, Deadpool adopts a new look. With this bold step forward, the Merc ditches his classic black and red attire. Black and gray is an aesthetically pleasing look on the character. The normally white eyes of his mask are exhanged for red ones to perfectly match the black and red X-Force emblem attached to his torso. This suit design is a fan favorite, one that's bound to receive a live-action adaptation for Deadpool's cinematic ventures.
Deadpool 2's forthcoming release is confirmed to feature the X-Force crew. Based on teases from various trailers, the team wears mostly dark attire with red accents. The general consensus is that the Merc, too, will wear a variation of his X-Force uniform, evidenced by a recent trailer briefly showing him in dark gray garb.
15 DON'T WANT: ZOMBIE DEADPOOL
Deadpool as a zombie is an undenaibly fascinating concept. For all intents and purposes, he's considered immortal. His healing factor keeps his body from succumbing to the grisly acts of violence that are typically performed to kill him. This is where zombie Deadpool gets complex and, to a certain extent, rather convoluted. Past instances have shown that even a zombified version of the character is unbeatable. On the page it looks amazing; plus, seeing the decay of his suit is equally haunting and intriguing.
However, zombie Deadpool should remain exclusive to the comics. There's no doubt that the special effects responsible for nailing the character theatrically can turn him into a captivating undead version of himself. But does anyone want to see this play out in theaters, especially when considering that there are a myriad of other stories to tell?
14 WANT: WOLVERINEPOOL
In an alternate universe, Earth-1946 to be exact, Deadpool's history with Weapon X is drastically changed. This version of the Weapon X program implants Wade Wilson with Adamantium. He's essentially Wolverine with Deadpool's black and red color scheme. The Adamantium claws are an integral part of Wolverinepool, the same can be said of his having regenerative powers. On paper, it's an enthralling premise that has limited use in the comics.
Fans are eager to see a Deadpool and Wolverine union on the big screen that properly services their tumultous relationship. Presently, such an alliance appears unlikely, given Hugh Jackman's recent departure from the Logan role, Disney's impending purchase of Fox, and the uncertain future of Wolverine's cinematic presence. Wolverinepool, perhaps even in a weird dream sequence or a tall tale made up of Deadpool's ramblings, would make for a nice substitute.
13 DON'T WANT: IRON MAN'S SUIT
During the character's Marvel Now! run, Deadpool performs heroics in one of Tony Stark's Iron Man suits. This event features in the "Drinking Game" issue, which provides a fun, albeit disturbing, read. The disturbing aspect enters into the picture when Deadpool gets Tony, a man with a history of substance abuse, drunk and leaves him alone to recover. Upon Tony's falling asleep, the mercenary hijacks an Iron Man suit and proceeds with flying about the town, drinking and mocking Tony's storied alcholosim.
This narrative unfolding on-screen the way it does in the comic is unlikely. Additionally, despite Disney's plan to acquire Fox, there are still questions of whether Deadpool would ever even be aligned with the MCU. Regardless, while seeing Wade Wilson take the Iron Man suit for a joy-ride is an exciting possibility, it wouldn't be so under these circumstances.
12 WANT: ULTIMATE DEADPOOL
On Earth-1610 in Ultimate Spider-Man, Wadey Wilson isn't a mutant. Instead, he is a human purist, who believes all mutants should be excised from existence. Working for the Republic of Genosha, an island near Madagascar, Deadpool is tasked with capturing mutants. After their capture, the mutants are taken to Krakoa Island, where Deadpool and his team of Reavers hunt them on live television for sport.
The suit he wears doesn't differ too much from his typical uniform. Black and red still constitute the color scheme, but black is more prominent. His mask receives an alteration as well, as the black pattern veers from the usual domino mask design. This version of the suit wouldn't be a bad addition to the character's live-action presence, even if he never steps foot on an alternate Earth.
11 DON'T WANT: EVIL DEADPOOL
Perhaps there are too many versions the Merc with a Mouth. One variation that puts this notion into perspective is Evil Deadpool, who debuts in the "You Complete Me" story's final issue. A Deadpool-obsessed psychiatrist collects parts of the anti-hero and keeps them frozen. Once the mercenary learns the truth, he throws the pieces away. Because of Deadpool's regenerative powers, however, the parts fuse together after defrosting. Each part forms to make a whole; thus, a new Deadpool, an evil one, is born.
The suit he dons makes for as much of a smorgasbord as the variant character himself. It all appears crudely patched together. This seems a narrative that would prove difficult to manage well in a theatrical sense. Yet, even if it were to work for a two-hour film plot, there are some things better left to the pages of comics.
10 WANT: DEATH MASK
Marvel's Earth-11638 is a strange alternate reality. For instance, Bruce Banner ostracizes the Hulk by sending him to Hell, then later becomes the Sorcerer Supreme. However, Deadpool's backstory on this Earth wins the reward for most bizarre; simulatneouly, it's also the most intriguing. Reed Richards performs a life-saving procedure on Wade Wilson, which removes a malicious tumor from Wilson's brain. Upon the tumor's removal, Wilson attains immeasurable intelligence that he uses to create a criminal empire.
Wearing armor reminsicent of Doctor Doom's, this iteration of Deadpool is a genius supervillain named Death Mask, whose characterization is far more riveting than intimated at the outset. Who knew Wade Wilson and a cloak were a match made in Heaven? Needless to say, a cinematic adaptation of Death Mask features high on the wishlist of many.
9 DON'T WANT: DEAD MAN WADE
Dead Man Wade is the Wade Wilson of Earth-295. Debuting in the mid-'90s in X-Calibre, this iteration of the Merc has very few comic appearances before dying during Deadpool Kills Deadpool. As a member of Apocalypse's Pale Riders, a group of assassins, Dead Man Wade is tasked with tracking down and eliminating targets. He performs the acts while draped in a blue and red suit with a stylish high collar and silver goggles. However, he does not wear a mask over his badly scarred visage.
Dead Man Wade may be one of the more fascinating alternates. Were he to receive a live-action adapation, here's to hoping the suit gets an update. As it stands, this uniform is overtly from the '90s zeitgeist, which isn't necessarily a negative. Yet, even Deadpool is doubtful to make it aesthetically pleasing in a present-day setting.
8 WANT: KIDPOOL
Earth-10330 is home to Kidpool, a younger iteration of the mutant who's little more than a troublemaker in whichever situation he's placed. Removed from this Earth's version of Xavier's school for the young, Kidpool is sent to a detention center, where his behavior only worsens. Eventually, the Deadpool of Marvel's regular continuity recruits him for the Deadpool Corps.
Kidpool's character design has defintiely made a splash, noted by his being a favorite amongst cosplayers. He wears a red hoodie with a heavily rolled collar, a mask resembling Deadpool's normal one, red pants, and sneakers. Instead of blades or firearms, Kidpool's weapons of choice are a pair of swords that can only be compared to Lightsabers. Should Ryan Reynolds' Deadpool travel the multiverse, we hope his first stop takes him to Kidpool.
7 DON'T WANT: THE GOLDEN AGE DEADPOOL
Captain America: Who Won't Wield the Shield takes readers on a wild ride. Of particular note, especially as it relates to this list, is the origins of a Deadpool from an alternate world. The nephew of President Woodrow Wilson, Frederick Wilson, undergoes a shady experiment in the late '30s to become a super-weapon for German forces. The Golden Age Deadpool is born and deemed Veapon [Swastika].
Because of lung problems, which he inflicts upon himself to avoid going to war, Frederick is forced to wear a gas mask. When he becomes Deadpool, he incorporates the mask into his uniform, which resembles that of soldier attire from the period. The premise couldn't be anymore compelling, but it's doubtful to make it to theaters. Besides, the uniform, while fitting for the work in which it features, is quite the eyesore.
6 WANT: WATARI
Peter Milligan’s limited series 5 Ronin takes five Marvel characters to a 17th Century Japan setting. These five heroes include: Wolverine, Hulk, Punisher, Psylocke, and Deadpool, all of whom have individual issues focused primarily on them. The Deadpool stand-in is Watari, a masterless samurai who’s terribly injured during a battle in Korea. Upon returning to Japan, he’s deemed a Fool.
For attire, Watari dons a red kimono and a conical hat that covers most of his disfigured visage. The garb of a warrior in feudal Japan looks good on the Merc. It’s doubtful he will ever wear such clothing in live-action. However, a training montage or a chance meeting with a group of ninjas seems well within the realm of possibilities for a Deadpool movie’s putting the anti-hero in ronin-inspired garb.
5 DON'T WANT: THE DEADPOOL KID
This alternate version of the character is an outlaw on Earth-1108. Deadpool: Merc With a Mouth marks the Deadpool Kid’s debut and is the only comic, excepting a Deadpool Kills Deadpool cameo, in which he appears. His involvement is fleeting. After seeing the normal continuity’s Deadpool pass through town, Deadpool Kid threatens the Sheriff by claiming he and Deadpool will take over. With little hesitation, Deadpool kills the outlaw and proceeds with his mission.
Deadpool Kid wears the character’s typical suit with a cowboy hat, boots, a bandana, and a decorative gun holster. It’s plain and uninspired, words that should never be used to describe Deadpool. Who doesn’t want to see the Merc in a uniform befitting an old west outlaw? No one if it’s to follow the design presented in Deadpool Kid's first and most notable appearance.
4 WANT: LADY DEADPOOL
Hailing from Earth-3010, Wanda Wilson aka Lady Deadpool is a mercenary whose powers aren’t too dissimilar from Deadpool himself. Her suit also doesn’t differ too much from his, the key difference being that Lady Deadpool’s mask allows her ponytail to stick out the back. Apart from gender, their disparate personalities are what particularly separate Deadpool from his female counterpart. Where he is outgoing and open to sparking conversation with anyone willing to listen, Lady Deadpool’s personality proves a reserved one.
It’s hard to imagine the Deadpool live-action films not somehow bringing this version of the character into the fold. An already beloved character, Lady Deadpool’s inclusion in Marvel’s cross-media ventures may offer an intriguing new dynamic to superhero cinema. Undoubtedly, if she fails to appear beyond the pages of comics, it is a missed opportunity indeed.
3 DON'T WANT: HEADPOOL
Earth-2149 is an Earth consumed by a zombie plague. One individual that falls victim is this reality’s Deadpool. A devastating fight nearly kills him and he’s later revealed to have been reduced to only a head. As if this isn’t bizarre enough, the Deadpool of Earth-616 (Marvel’s normal continuity) recruits this version for help, carrying around the disembodied head as a partner of sorts.
As an extension of the character’s zombie version, this iteration is not exactly ideal. While Deadpool toting around a counterpart’s head does sound like a fun time at the movies, it may not be the most appealing of draws for mass audiences. However, who knows how creative the right director or writer could get with this premise? Maybe Headpool doesn’t have to be a zombie, but maybe this version, like several others, is better left to the comics.
2 WANT: DEADPOOL PULP
A Cold War-era Deadpool on an alternate Earth stars in Marvel’s Deadpool: Pulp. The limited series from writers Adam Glass and Mike Benson features Wade Wilson as a CIA agent, codenamed Deadpool. This iteration of the character is about as certifiable as any other, and just as capable of a getting the job done. Therefore, his costume design makes for one of the more major alterations.
Dressed in Deadpool’s black and red color scheme, the Wilson of Pulp dons a mask akin to Iron Fist’s, where only the top half of his face is covered. The rest of the suit is simple in its design, but works for the setting and the character’s acting as a CIA operative. When Deadpool starts out in the film universe, this look would’ve made for an incredible first step. Hopefully, it’s never too late to get back to the basics.
1 DON'T WANT: VENOMPOOL
One of Marvel’s What If? series, Iron Man: Demon in an Armor, posits the potential happenings if Venom were to merge with Deadpool. The results exceed the wildest of wild expectations. Venompool’s character design is nothing short of superb and the adventures the conjoined Symbiote and mercenary partake in are interesting. Venompool even performs a few heroics. Yet, what works in comics does not always translate well to the screen, especially where live-action adaptations are concerned.
It’s not that no one wants to see Venom and Deadpool together. Surely, they’d make for a compelling pair. Should they share a film or the like, though, the hope is that they do so as individuals. There’s no ill-will towards Venompool, but even the brilliant insanity of a Deadpool movie must draw the line somewhere.