One of the biggest geek-out sequences in Deadpool & Wolverine is when Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds) traverses the multiverse, meeting various Wolverine variants. But there’s one idea that unfortunately didn’t make the cut: a Wolverine variant who is a real wolverine.
According to director Shawn Levy per the Happy Sad Confused podcast, when it came time to craft this sequence, he and Reynolds got “everyone” together to pitch ideas. Levy confesses on the podcast that he and Reynolds, and even Marvel chief Kevin Feige don’t know everything, so it was a group effort to come up with the best ideas for the montage.
The ones they settled on? A comic book-accurate Wolverine who stands 5′ 3″, Old Man Logan, Age of Apocalypse Weapon Omega, Old Man Logan, the crucified Wolverine from the cover of Uncanny X-Men #251, Wolverine fighting the Hulk from his first appearance (though wearing the costume from the more recent Krakoa era), and finally the “worst” Wolverine we spend the movie with. Those are all played by Hugh Jackman, with the lone non-Jackman Wolverine played by Henry Cavill, aka The Cavillerine.
But when asked what was “number six or seven” on the list that didn’t make the cut, Levy revealed the hilarious idea that never was.
“Number six and seven was an actual wolverine,” Levy said. “We really, really wanted an actual wolverine, the animal, and that he would maul Deadpool. But we came up with that idea too late to do a convincing digital wolverine. So that one’s in my back pocket should I need one for any sequels.”
The funnier part about this is that Wolverine, as designed initially by John Romita Sr., really looks nothing like a Wolverine. The directives given to the artist and co-creator Len Wein were to make the character Canadian and have the temper of a real wolverine… But that was it. Otherwise, there’s nothing particularly like the creature. That’s certainly something Deadpool, that lovable fourth wall-breaking scamp, could have had a lot of fun with.
Alas! We’ll just have to wait for Deadpool & Wolverine 2: Here Comes Deadpool and Wolverine Again to see this moment on screen.
Deadpool & Wolverine is now in theaters.
