Deadpool just canonized one of his best jokes from Deadpool & Wolverine in the comics. The influence Deadpool & Wolverine has had over the summer has been an incredible win for the MCU. It's become the first film in the MCU since Avengers: Endgame to make over $1 billion at the box office and continues to delight fans worldwide. Now, one of its best jokes has found its way to the comics, canonizing a major moment from the film.
In Deadpool #5 by Cody Ziglar and Andrea Di Vito, Deadpool squares off against Death Grip after being hunted down by the latter. His abilities have managed to stop Deadpool's healing factor, putting him at risk of death in the near future. However, despite the odds weighing against him, Deadpool continues to fight for more than himself. He tells Death Grip that he continues to push forward for "my family. My daughters. And of course, Doug. Love that guy!"
It's a funny little moment that shows that Deadpool cares for someone outside his inner circle at Deadpool & Associates. However, when compared to Peter from Deadpool & Wolverine, this is essentially the comics' version of that character.
Doug is Earth-616's Version of Peter From Deadpool & Wolverine
Deadpool #5 by Cody Ziglar and Andrea Di Vito
During a huge fight in the hit MCU movie against the Deadpool Corps, Deadpool and Wolverine find themselves in a rough place when they realize every Deadpool they killed is able to regenerate. However, when all hope seems lost, Peter rushes onto the scene and becomes the hero in his own Deadpool costume. When the members of the Deadpool Corps realize who he is, the fighting immediately stops, revealing that every Deadpool has a Peter in their universe, and they all absolutely love him. It's a hilarious joke that also holds Peter up as a key part of Deadpool's circle of friends.
In a sense, Doug is the Marvel Universe's version of Peter. He's just as ordinary as Peter, with nothing more on his mind than doing the best job he can while also clocking out on time to have his lunch break. He has no place in Deadpool's world, yet Deadpool loves him anyway because of how reliable he can be. He even backs up his appreciation for the character by stating "he really brings a lively and engaging energy to the work environment and gives the job purpose."
Doug Likely Isn't an Exact Variant of Peter, But He Captures the Character's Spirit
No Mustache? No Problem!
Perhaps the biggest counter to Doug being Marvel Comics' version of Peter is that he's not necessarily a variant of the character. However, that doesn't stop him from filling that crucial role. The Spider-Verse has made it known that as long as someone fulfills the title of a particular canon event, they can take any name or form they wish, such as Peter being Spider-Gwen's Uncle Ben. Plus, in the Deadpool comics, Deadpool even found the comics' version of his movie girlfriend, Vanessa, giving him one of the best relationships he ever had without them being the same character.
There's no rule saying Doug can't play the Peter role, and the comic iteration of Deadpool makes it abundantly clear as he defends him. All that matters is Doug brings a light to Deadpool's life outside his tight circle of friends. It's a brilliant way of canonizing the great joke that every Deadpool has their own Peter in the multiverse, further showcasing Deadpool & Wolverine's influence as it expands to the Marvel Comics multiverse.
