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What Happened to Wade in Wolverine? Exploring the Fate of Deadpool’s Creator

The character Wade Wilson, more famously known as Deadpool, has become a cultural phenomenon. However, his initial appearance and subsequent treatment in the 2009 film *X-Men Origins: Wolverine* left many fans scratching their heads. What exactly *happened to Wade in Wolverine*, and why did it deviate so drastically from the comic book version of the character?

The Genesis of Wade Wilson

Before diving into the cinematic adaptation, it’s essential to understand the comic book origins of Wade Wilson. Created by artist/writer Rob Liefeld and writer Fabian Nicieza, Deadpool debuted in *The New Mutants* #98 in February 1991. Wade Wilson is a mercenary with terminal cancer who undergoes the Weapon X program in an attempt to cure his illness. The experiment grants him a healing factor similar to Wolverine’s, but it also leaves him severely disfigured and mentally unstable. Embracing his new abilities, he becomes Deadpool, the “Merc with a Mouth,” known for his irreverent humor, breaking the fourth wall, and exceptional combat skills. The character has become a cornerstone of Marvel’s mutant universe, appearing in numerous comic books, animated series, and video games.

Wade Wilson in X-Men Origins: Wolverine

In *X-Men Origins: Wolverine*, Wade Wilson is portrayed by Ryan Reynolds, who would later become synonymous with the definitive Deadpool. Initially, the character is depicted as a highly skilled and wisecracking mercenary, recruited by Major William Stryker for a special team of mutants. This version of Wade possesses exceptional swordsmanship and marksmanship, fitting the comic book profile to some extent. Reynolds’ portrayal captures the essence of the witty and sarcastic mercenary fans had come to love.

However, as the film progresses, *what happened to Wade in Wolverine* takes a bizarre and controversial turn. After seemingly being killed during a mission, Wade is revealed to have been transformed into a monstrous creature known as Weapon XI, or “Deadpool.” This version bears little resemblance to the comic book character, lacking his signature red and black costume, humor, and even his mouth. Weapon XI is depicted as a mindless killing machine, possessing the combined powers of several mutants, including teleportation, optic blasts, and Wolverine’s adamantium claws.

The Deviations and Disappointments

The cinematic interpretation of *what happened to Wade in Wolverine* was met with widespread disappointment and criticism from fans. Several key aspects of the character were altered or omitted, resulting in a vastly different portrayal. The most glaring issues included:

Appearance: The comic book Deadpool is known for his distinctive costume and disfigured appearance, whereas Weapon XI is a grotesque amalgamation of mutant powers.
Personality: Deadpool’s trademark humor and fourth-wall-breaking antics were completely absent in Weapon XI.
Powers: While Weapon XI possessed multiple mutant abilities, he lacked Deadpool’s signature healing factor and combat skills displayed in the comics.
Motivation: The comic book Deadpool is driven by his own twisted sense of morality and a desire for acceptance, whereas Weapon XI is simply a tool of Stryker’s machinations.

The significant departure from the source material left many fans feeling betrayed and misrepresented. The character that they had grown to love was unrecognizable in this altered form. The question of *what happened to Wade in Wolverine* became a point of contention and a reminder of the potential pitfalls of adapting beloved comic book characters for the big screen.

The Retcon and Redemption

The negative reception to the *X-Men Origins: Wolverine* version of Deadpool prompted 20th Century Fox to reconsider their approach to the character. In 2016, Ryan Reynolds reprised his role as Wade Wilson in a standalone Deadpool film, which served as a soft reboot of the character. This film aimed to rectify the mistakes of the past and provide a more faithful adaptation of the comic book source material.

The 2016 *Deadpool* film completely disregarded the events of *X-Men Origins: Wolverine*, effectively retconning Weapon XI out of existence. The film presented a more accurate depiction of Wade Wilson, complete with his signature costume, humor, and fourth-wall-breaking tendencies. Reynolds’ performance was widely praised, and the film became a critical and commercial success, proving that audiences were eager for a faithful adaptation of the character.

The success of *Deadpool* demonstrated the importance of respecting the source material and understanding what makes a character resonate with fans. The film’s positive reception served as a form of redemption for the character after the missteps of *X-Men Origins: Wolverine*.

The Future of Wade Wilson

Following the acquisition of 20th Century Fox by Disney, the future of Deadpool in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) remains uncertain. However, Kevin Feige, President of Marvel Studios, has confirmed that Deadpool will be integrated into the MCU while retaining his R-rated sensibilities. This decision suggests that Marvel is committed to preserving the character’s unique identity and appealing to his established fanbase.

Ryan Reynolds is expected to continue portraying Wade Wilson in future MCU projects, ensuring continuity and familiarity for audiences. The integration of Deadpool into the MCU opens up exciting possibilities for new storylines, interactions with other Marvel characters, and further exploration of the character’s complex personality. The question of *what happened to Wade in Wolverine* is now largely irrelevant, as the character has been successfully resurrected and reimagined for a new era.

Analyzing the Initial Misstep

Several factors contributed to the initial misrepresentation of Wade Wilson in *X-Men Origins: Wolverine*. One key issue was the studio’s attempt to streamline and simplify the character for a broader audience. In doing so, they stripped away the elements that made Deadpool unique and appealing, such as his humor, fourth-wall awareness, and complex moral code. The decision to transform him into a generic villain was a significant misstep that alienated fans.

Another contributing factor was the lack of understanding of the source material. The filmmakers appeared to be unfamiliar with the nuances of the character and the reasons for his popularity. This lack of understanding led to a superficial and ultimately unsatisfying portrayal. The events of *what happened to Wade in Wolverine* serve as a cautionary tale about the importance of respecting the source material when adapting comic book characters for the big screen.

Lessons Learned

The story of *what happened to Wade in Wolverine* offers several valuable lessons for filmmakers and studios. First and foremost, it underscores the importance of respecting the source material and understanding what makes a character resonate with fans. When adapting a beloved comic book character, it is crucial to stay true to their core attributes and personality traits. Any significant deviations from the source material should be carefully considered and justified.

Secondly, the experience highlights the importance of listening to fan feedback. The negative reaction to the *X-Men Origins: Wolverine* version of Deadpool prompted 20th Century Fox to reconsider their approach to the character. The success of the 2016 *Deadpool* film demonstrated the value of incorporating fan input and delivering a faithful adaptation. By listening to their audience, filmmakers can increase the likelihood of creating a successful and well-received product.

Finally, the story of Wade Wilson’s cinematic journey illustrates the power of redemption. Despite the initial missteps, the character was ultimately resurrected and reimagined in a way that honored his comic book origins. This demonstrates that it is possible to recover from mistakes and deliver a satisfying adaptation, even after a rocky start. The journey of *what happened to Wade in Wolverine* is an interesting chapter in comic book movie history.

Conclusion

The question of *what happened to Wade in Wolverine* is a complex one with a long and winding answer. The initial portrayal of Wade Wilson in *X-Men Origins: Wolverine* was a significant misstep that deviated drastically from the comic book source material. However, the character was ultimately redeemed through a more faithful adaptation in the 2016 *Deadpool* film. The story of Wade Wilson’s cinematic journey offers valuable lessons for filmmakers and studios about the importance of respecting the source material, listening to fan feedback, and embracing the power of redemption. With Deadpool now poised to enter the MCU, the future of the character looks brighter than ever. The initial question of *what happened to Wade in Wolverine* has been answered, and a new chapter begins.

[See also: Deadpool’s Comic Book Origins]
[See also: The Impact of Ryan Reynolds on Deadpool]
[See also: The Future of Deadpool in the MCU]