Deadpool's Unexpected Team-Up Movie That Almost Happened Over a Decade Ago
Deadpool's solo antics clash with potential team dynamics in this intriguing look at an alternate team-up movie proposal from years past.
Ryan Reynolds' Wade Wilson is set to officially join the MCU in 2024's Deadpool & Wolverine. However, a decade ago, there were plans for the Merc with a Mouth to star in an X-Force team-up movie. Despite the rocky start with Wade's appearance in X-Men Origins: Wolverine, the 2016 Deadpool movie successfully set a new course for the character.
Before the 2016 reboot, Fox had intentions to redeem Deadpool's character. Recent plans have hinted at an exciting new Deadpool adventure with some significant changes to his previous big-screen appearances. While Deadpool & Wolverine will finally showcase a team-up, it's worth noting that this collaboration could have happened much earlier.
Deadpool Almost Teamed Up With X-Force After X-Men Origins: Wolverine
Ryan Reynolds' Wade Wilson with Team X in X-Men Origins Wolverine - Deadpool Almost Teamed Up With X-Force After X-Men Origins: Wolverine
In X-Men Origins: Wolverine, Wade Wilson, who later becomes Deadpool, is part of Logan's special forces team. Played by Ryan Reynolds, this version of Wade closely resembles the original character's personality. However, he is captured, experimented on, and transformed into a silent drone, losing the essence that makes Deadpool a fan favorite.
The negative reception of the movie led to the cancellation of other planned "Origins" films (such as prequels for Magneto and Storm). Despite this, Deadpool was set to star in a new movie aimed at redeeming the character after the disappointment of X-Men Origins: Wolverine. Writer Jeff Wadlow has shared insights on his planned X-Force movie, including how he would have portrayed Deadpool and his thoughts on the character's initial cinematic portrayal.
X-Men Origins: Magneto was reimagined and eventually turned into X-Men: First Class.
According to Wadlow in an interview with Comic Book Movie, X-Force would have showcased a team of "public school" mutants guided by a darker version of Cable. The group of youngsters including Cannonball, Boom-Boom, Domino, Rictor, and Feral would have been on the run in Texas. Surprisingly, they would have been pursued by Deadpool, who was hired to track them down. Deadpool, sporting a more comic-accurate mask, would have eventually switched sides in the movie. Following this, two more movies with Deadpool as the main character would have completed an X-Force trilogy.
How X-Force Would Have Changed Deadpool's Cinematic History
Deadpool in the TVA in Deadpool and Wolverine - How X-Force Would Have Changed Deadpool's Cinematic History
It's difficult to predict how Deadpool's cinematic journey would have unfolded if he had been the main character in X-Force instead of the 2016 film Deadpool. One thing is for sure, it would have been a risky move. Deadpool is famous for his sharp humor and casual irreverence, and placing him in a darker, grittier movie might have delayed the audience from getting to the best parts.
Despite this, Wadlow appears to have a good understanding of what went wrong with X-Men Origins: Wolverine, describing it as "a complete disaster" in the interview mentioned earlier. Even if Deadpool had been portrayed as a villain in a darker storyline, he would likely still maintain his sarcastic wit. However, connecting him more closely to the other movies in the Fox universe could have jeopardized his chances of transitioning into the Marvel Cinematic Universe as planned.
The MCU Can Make Good On The Canceled X-Force Movie
Deadpool, Domino and Bedlam in X-Force in 2018's Deadpool 2 - The MCU Can Make Good On The Canceled X-Force Movie
Deadpool 2 introduced a unique version of the X-Force team, led by Deadpool himself. The team included characters like Domino, Shatterstar, Bedlam, Zeitgeist, Vanisher, and even a regular guy named Peter. Unfortunately, the team met a gruesome end almost immediately.
Despite their tragic fate, some X-Force members may have a chance to return in Deadpool & Wolverine, thanks to a time-traveling Deadpool. It's uncertain if this version of X-Force will continue in the MCU, but there is potential for future movies if Ryan Reynolds continues to play Deadpool.
If Deadpool's next movie is successful, Disney/Marvel Studios may explore new possibilities for future projects. With the MCU's fondness for team-up films, an X-Force adventure could be a great addition to their lineup.
Editor's P/S:
The canceled X-Force movie, which would have featured Deadpool as the main character, presents an intriguing alternate path for the development of the character in the cinematic universe. While the 2016 Deadpool reboot proved to be a huge success, the X-Force movie could have offered a different take on the character, potentially showcasing a darker and more complex side of Deadpool. However, it is also possible that the movie's darker tone could have alienated fans who had grown accustomed to the more comedic and irreverent portrayal of Deadpool in the 2016 film.
Ultimately, the MCU's decision to incorporate Deadpool into their lineup may have played a role in the cancellation of the X-Force movie. The MCU's more lighthearted and family-friendly approach may not have been a suitable fit for a darker X-Force movie. Nonetheless, the possibility remains for the MCU to delve into the X-Force concept in the future, particularly if Deadpool's upcoming appearance in Deadpool & Wolverine proves to be successful.
