Deadpool, the wisecracking, fourth-wall-breaking antihero, has captured the hearts of fans worldwide. But between his riddle and humor, questions come to mind: “What brand does Deadpool belong to? Is Deadpool Marvel?" It’s not hard to see where the confusion lies with his edgy style and unconventional antics.
But make no mistake: Deadpool is Marvel. Now, with his MCU debut in Deadpool & Wolverine, the Merc with a Mouth is officially part of Marvel's cinematic lineup. Read on for more!
Who Owns Deadpool: Marvel or DC?
If you want a short answer, it's Marvel. Deadpool is a Marvel Comics character created by Rob Liefeld and Fabian Nicieza in 1991, first appearing in The New Mutants #98.
Since Deadpool's debut in Marvel’s “The New Mutants” #98, Marvel’s ownership of Deadpool has never changed hands, and he has remained firmly under their umbrella through comic books, merchandise, and film adaptations.
In film rights terms, Deadpool’s live-action movie appearances initially fell under the purview of 20th Century Fox. Back then, Fox had a deal with Marvel for characters related to the X-Men universe. Yet, since the Disney acquisition of Fox in 2019, those rights have reverted back to Marvel Studios.
Deadpool's First Marvel Appearance
Created by Rob Liefeld and Fabian Nicieza, Deadpool first appeared in New Mutants #98 comics in February 1991. Introduced initially as an antagonist, the "Merc with a Mouth" quickly drew all eyes by way of his smart mouth, constant quips, and unparalleled personality.
Deadpool’s popularity skyrocketed soon after his debut. He became a frequent guest star in other Marvel titles, rubbing shoulders (and trading blows) with characters like The Avengers and Daredevil. These appearances set the stage for his evolution from a villain to a beloved antihero.
By 1997, Deadpool had earned his first self-titled comic series, which cemented his status as one of Marvel’s most distinctive and enduring characters. This series has continued, in various iterations, showcasing Deadpool’s unique blend of action, humor, and irreverence that fans love to this day.
Is Deadpool Part of the MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe)?
Yes. In 2019, Deadpool officially became part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe after Disney acquired Fox.This merger gave Marvel Studios (also owned by Disney) the rights to Deadpool, the X-Men, and the Fantastic Four. Then, these characters join the broader MCU.
While Deadpool was already a Marvel character in X-Men Origins: Wolverine and his two self-titled movies, he wasn’t part of the MCU until this acquisition. His official MCU debut came with the record-breaking Deadpool & Wolverine, which serves as both a sequel to Ryan Reynolds' previous films and his formal introduction to Marvel Studios’ universe.
Moving forward, Wade Wilson and his X-Men connections will now reflect their Marvel Comics roots within MCU-branded films; this opens up new possibilities for crossovers and storytelling in the larger Marvel cinematic world.
Why People Mistake Deadpool for a DC Character?
Deadpool is undeniably a Marvel character. But some people mistakenly associate him with DC due to his style and the film distribution history. Deadpool's movies were produced by 20th Century Fox rather than Marvel Studios before Disney acquired Fox in 2019.
Besides, Deadpool’s gritty humor, darker tone, and violent action sequences are stylistically closer to what many associate with DC’s approach in movies like The Dark Knight or The Joker. This blend of humor and brutality can feel more aligned with DC's reputation for mature, edgy storytelling.
Ultimately, Deadpool stands squarely under the Marvel umbrella. From his earliest days in the New Mutants comics to his integration into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, every quip, fourth wall-break, and meta-moment belongs firmly within Marvel’s storytelling realm.
Ready to show off your fandom? Check out our officially-licensed Deadpool Merchandise collection and bring home a piece of his signature chaos, humor, and style!
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