Ever since the first trailer for Deadpool & Wolverine dropped, fans have been abuzz with speculation about the identity of the mysterious Lady Deadpool. With her signature red and black suit and twin uzis blazing, this female variant of the Merc with a Mouth immediately captured everyone’s attention. Theories ran wild, with guesses ranging from A-list actresses to the absurd notion that Ryan Reynolds himself would don a wig and play the part. Well, the wait is over, and we finally have our answer – and it’s even more perfect than anyone could have imagined.
According to the official cast listing, none other than Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds’ real-life wife, portrays Lady Deadpool in Deadpool & Wolverine. Talk about a match made in heaven! Lively’s casting is an inspired choice that pays homage to her incredible chemistry with Reynolds, while also bringing a fresh and exciting dynamic to the beloved Deadpool franchise.
But who exactly is Lady Deadpool, and what role does she play in this multiversal adventure? Let’s dive in and explore the origins of this fascinating character and what her appearance could mean for the future of the MCU.
The Origins of Lady Deadpool
Lady Deadpool, also known as Wanda Wilson, hails from the alternate reality designated as Earth-3010. In her universe, the United States is embroiled in a civil war, with fascist factions within the government imposing their will upon the people. Amidst this chaos, Wanda, a former mercenary and government test subject, finds herself caught in the middle of the conflict.
Unlike her Earth-616 counterpart, Wanda initially refrains from joining the anti-government forces led by General Shamus Onus. Instead, she becomes the bodyguard of Charles Randolph Fey, a former actor turned rebel leader, primarily due to her secret crush on him. As the situation escalates and the government shuts down television signals, Wanda joins Fey on his anti-government speech tour, determined to protect him at all costs.
Powers and Abilities
As an alternate version of Deadpool, Lady Deadpool possesses a similar set of powers and abilities:
- Expert combatant: Wanda is highly skilled in both close-quarters and ranged combat, proficient with a wide array of weapons, particularly guns and swords.
- Superhuman physique: She boasts peak human strength, speed, and agility, making her a formidable opponent even without weapons.
- Healing factor: Lady Deadpool’s accelerated healing allows her to recover from virtually any injury, granting her near-immortality. However, this constant regeneration of brain cells leaves her sanity and memories in a precarious state.
- Fourth wall awareness: Like her male counterpart, Wanda has the uncanny ability to break the fourth wall, often addressing the audience directly and referencing her own comic book adventures.
A Heroic Twist
While the Earth-616 Deadpool is known for his morally ambiguous antics and self-serving nature, Lady Deadpool often serves as a more heroic and selfless foil. In her own universe, she fights against the oppressive fascist regime, ultimately sacrificing herself to save her fellow rebels during a climactic battle in Washington, D.C.
In the comics, Lady Deadpool has also been a member of the multiversal Deadpool Corps, a group of Deadpools from various realities assembled to combat cosmic threats. During her time with the Corps, she even sacrificed her own life to save her teammates from a world-devouring Deadpool variant.
What Does Lady Deadpool’s Appearance Mean for the MCU?
The inclusion of Lady Deadpool in Deadpool & Wolverine is a clear indication that the film will be leaning heavily into the concept of the multiverse. With the TVA, Dogpool, and now Lady Deadpool all making appearances, it seems that Wade Wilson and Logan will be embarking on a wild, reality-hopping adventure.
While Lady Deadpool’s exact role in the film remains a mystery, her brief appearance in the trailer suggests that she may be leading a group of soldiers dressed like Deadpool. This could potentially hint at a Deadpool Corps storyline, with various versions of the character uniting to face a common threat.
Moreover, the casting of Blake Lively as Lady Deadpool adds an extra layer of meta-humor to the already self-referential Deadpool franchise. The idea of Lively and Reynolds, a real-life couple, portraying alternate versions of the same character is a stroke of genius that perfectly aligns with Deadpool’s fourth-wall-breaking antics.
The Woman Behind the Mask
Blake Lively’s casting as Lady Deadpool is a testament to her versatility as an actress and her undeniable chemistry with Ryan Reynolds. From her breakout role in Gossip Girl to her critically acclaimed performance in The Age of Adaline, Lively has consistently demonstrated her ability to tackle a wide range of characters.
Her portrayal of Lady Deadpool is sure to be a highlight of Deadpool & Wolverine, as she brings her own unique flair to the role while playing off Reynolds’ signature wit and charm. The dynamic between the two actors, both on and off-screen, is sure to elevate the film’s humor and heart to new heights.
A Match Made in Marvel Heaven
When asked about the possibility of working with Blake Lively on a Marvel project, Ryan Reynolds responded with his trademark humor, joking that “she’s not half the friend that Hugh [Jackman] is.” He went on to express his genuine desire to collaborate with his wife, drawing comparisons to classic Hollywood duos like Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn.
The fact that Lively and Reynolds’ relationship predates Reynolds’ friendship with Jackman only adds to the delightful meta-narrative surrounding Deadpool & Wolverine. The film serves as a celebration of the actors’ shared history and the enduring legacy of the X-Men and Deadpool franchises.
Conclusion
The revelation that Blake Lively plays Lady Deadpool in Deadpool & Wolverine has sent shockwaves through the Marvel fandom. Her casting is a perfect example of the film’s commitment to blending humor, heart, and meta-commentary, while also paying homage to the rich history of the characters and the actors who bring them to life.
As we eagerly await the release of Deadpool & Wolverine, one thing is certain: the inclusion of Lady Deadpool, portrayed by the incomparable Blake Lively, is sure to be a highlight of this multiversal adventure. With Reynolds and Lively’s real-life chemistry, Jackman’s return as Wolverine, and the promise of a wild, reality-bending ride, this film is shaping up to be a must-see event for Marvel fans everywhere.
So, get ready to don your red and black suit, grab your chimichangas, and prepare for the arrival of Lady Deadpool. The Merc with a Mouth has never looked so good, and we can’t wait to see what chaos and hilarity Wanda Wilson will bring to the MCU.
