Deadpool has stood apart from the majority of modern superheroes for many reasons; perhaps the most significant being the dedication of the fanbase. Fans have proven themselves to be incredibly particular with adaptations of the anti-superhero. Deadpool has become synonymous with his searing wit and nihilism, which makes it especially challenging to get his character right. However, when a Deadpool adaptation is done correctly, viewers often flock to see him in his new iteration.
In 2017, Donald Glover and his brother Stephen Glover signed on with Marvel and FX to write a new Deadpool animated series. When news of the collaboration broke, fans were hopeful that the brothers would be able to capture the spirit of the character. Donald Glover has become famous for his biting, dry comedy with a hefty dose of cynicism. This style of humor seems to fit perfectly with Deadpool’s well-developed brand. This is why fans were shocked when it was announced that Marvel and FX had parted ways with the Glovers in 2018, opting not to go forward with the series.
The true reason for the show’s sudden demise is still unclear. Officially, FX has stated that they had “creative differences” with the brothers, but those "differences" remain to be seen. In 2019, FX CEO John Landgraf claimed that Marvel is mostly to blame. However, this explanation remains vague, with Landgraf stating that the intentions of the Glover brothers and Marvel were simply at odds.
If this is the case, it is difficult to understand Marvel’s position. In recent years, Glover has proven himself to be a wildly popular comedian and dramatic actor. He also has a history with Marvel, having performed in Spider-Man: Homecoming. Many Marvel fans would have already been familiar with his work. His tongue-in-cheek brand is also on full display in shows like Atlantia and Community. His stage persona, Childish Gambino, has also become famous for his specific style of social commentary, which consistently breaks barriers. If Deadpool is famous for anything, it is this. Not only would the Glover brother’s fame draw fans in, but Donald Glover would likely have a good chance at doing the character justice and satisfying them.
A Deadpool animated series is not an impossibility. However, is unlikely that either of the Glover brothers will have any connection to a future show. The only evidence that fans have of the series is a script that was apparently leaked from Donald Glover himself. This script references the controversial decision to cancel the series. Fans were polarized by Glover’s work, with some applauding the meta, dry, stylized humor that Glover has become known for. However, others felt that Glover’s script seemed "intentional," placing too much emphasis on Deadpool’s tropes. Yet, this is also the point of Deadpool; to be the opposite of what anyone would expect.
The last few years have seen Deadpool become a bonafide, mainstream icon, like Donald Glover himself. This is why Marvel’s decision to sever ties with the Glover brothers is so baffling. The match seemed to be made in Heaven. Even if Donald Glover did veer off Marvel’s path, it would still be a fascinating experiment in the boundaries of Deadpool’s character. Glover’s potential to create a new version of Deadpool would have been fascinating to see.