Deadpool & Wolverine featured a swathe of Wolverine variants from his cinematic history and the pages of Marvel Comics. Deadpool & Wolverine marked Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman’s entry into the MCU timeline as the iconic titular duo, while also celebrating the early years of Marvel movies produced by 20th Century Fox. Through its wild multiverse narrative, Deadpool encounters a litany of alternate Wolverines, many of whom are based directly on iconic moments from the X-Men comics.
Custom image by Debanjana Chowdhury
Deadpool & Wolverine depicts Deadpool on a mission to save his universe from collapsing, using it as a metaphor for the termination of Fox’s X-Men movie timeline following Disney’s acquisition of Fox. As such, a series of cameos in Deadpool & Wolverine celebrates Marvel movie history, dismantled by Deadpool’s trademark fourth-wall-breaking wit. Early in the movie, Deadpool embarks on a mission to locate a Wolverine variant to replace the one from Fox’s X-Men movies, leading him into a thrilling montage of comic-accurate Wolverine variants and meta references.
The Worst Wolverine
Played By: Hugh Jackman
Who Is The Worst Wolverine: The "Worst" Wolverine is the main version of Logan that Hugh Jackman portrays throughout the film's runtime.
The primary Wolverine in Deadpool & Wolverine is distinct from Jackman's iconic Wolverine from the X-Men movies, who, as the opening sequence made painfully clear, is definitely dead. Instead, the main Wolverine in the movie is referred to throughout as the "Worst Wolverine" in the multiverse. This version is a stark departure from his predecessors, consumed by guilt over the deaths of the X-Men and his failure to save them. This anguish drives him into alcoholism and an even more abrasive personality.
The "Worst Wolverine" is marked by his penchant for profanity, exceeding any previous cinematic depiction of the character. His language is rougher, his demeanor more cynical, and his outlook far bleaker. This incarnation of Wolverine is a man deeply scarred by his past, struggling to cope with his failures and the overwhelming burden of survivor's guilt. The "Worst Wolverine" offers a raw, unfiltered glimpse into a hero broken by his experiences.
Fox's X-Men Franchise Wolverine
Played By: Hugh Jackman
Who Is Fox's X-Men Franchise Wolverine: This is the original character Hugh Jackman portrayed for nearly two decades, who died in Logan.
The version of Wolverine from the X-Men movies does appear in Deadpool & Wolverine through flashbacks and on the Time Variance Authority's monitors. These glimpses offer a poignant reminder of his legacy, with a particular focus on his death in Logan. Although Logan is technically considered separate from the main X-Men movie timeline, Deadpool & Wolverine treats them like they are the same character, hailing from the same 20th Century Fox universe.
He is the “anchor being” whose death has caused the implosion of the X-Men movie timeline.
Deadpool & Wolverine repeatedly discusses and depicts Logan’s tragic and poignant sacrifice in Logan. Deadpool also explicitly references how Wolverine saved the universe on several occasions, recalling Wolverine’s exploits in X-Men: Days of Future Past. This version of Wolverine is revered and remembered for his courage and dedication. He is the “anchor being” whose death has caused the implosion of the X-Men movie timeline - referencing Hugh Jackman’s prominent place within Fox’s mutant timeline.
The Age Of Apocalypse Wolverine
Played By: Hugh Jackman
Who Is Age Of Apocalypse Wolverine: This Wolverine is from the 90's X-Men event, "Age of Apocalypse" sporting only one hand and even wilder hair than usual.
One of the Wolverines that Deadpool encounters in Deadpool & Wolverine was based on the Wolverine from Marvel Comics' Age of Apocalypse event. This Wolverine is a striking variant, missing one of his hands, sporting an even more exaggerated version of his iconic haircut, and adorned with red markings on his face. This version of Wolverine provides a thrilling moment for savvy audiences, recognizing the deep cut from the celebrated comic book story.
The brief reference in Deadpool & Wolverine also offers a glimpse into the dystopian future ruled by the villain Apocalypse, an alternate world in which the tyrannical mutant prevailed in dominating the world. This Wolverine, hardened by his harsh reality, embodies a raw and brutal survival instinct, contrasting sharply with other iterations. This is likely why Deadpool couldn’t subdue him during his search for a Wolverine that would satisfy the TVA and Paradox’s agenda.
The Comic Accurate Height Wolverine
Played By: Hugh Jackman
Who Is Comic Accurate Height Wolverine: Wolverine is only 5'3 in the comics, which is much shorter than Hugh Jackman, but this variant is hilariously closer to what he is supposed to be.
One of the funniest jokes in Deadpool & Wolverine comes when Deadpool encounters a Wolverine variant with a comic-accurate height. In the comics, Wolverine is established to be only five feet three inches tall, a detail often lost in the films where Hugh Jackman, standing at six foot two, portrays the character nearly a whole foot taller. In a hilarious twist, the movie lampoons this discrepancy by digitally shortening Jackman for one of the Wolverine variants.
Seeing the usually towering Jackman reduced to a much shorter stature is a great visual gag, especially for those familiar with comic book lore and Wolverine’s true size. Deadpool's reaction to this version of Wolverine highlights the humor in the height discrepancy and how absurd a comic-accurate height for Wolverine would look on screen. This is one of several examples in Deadpool & Wolverine of Wolverine having a comic-accurate appearance for the very first time. However, it is the only one that highlights how some elements that work well in the comics do not always translate as effectively to cinema.
Wolverine's Alter Ego Patch
Played By: Hugh Jackman
Who Is Patch: Wolverine adopts an alter ego named Patch in the X-Men comics, sporting a nice suit and eye patch.
Patch was one of the deep-cut Wolverine variants in Deadpool & Wolverine. This version appears during the Wolverine variant montage. He is depicted playing poker, wearing an all-white suit, and sporting an eye patch. Like many other variants, this one proved to be uncooperative with Deadpool’s mission. In Marvel Comics, Patch is an identity Wolverine adopts while in the fictional city of Madripoor while the X-Men are out of action.
Patch first appeared in the 1980s, during a storyline where Wolverine needed to operate under the radar. The eye patch and elegant white suit allowed him to navigate Madripoor's criminal underworld discreetly, engaging in espionage and combat without revealing his true identity. The 2022 solo comic run Patch brought the character variation into further prominence, highlighting the character’s alcoholism and penchant for gambling. Deadpool & Wolverine meticulously replicate Patch's iconic look, serving as a delightful Easter egg for comic book enthusiasts.
Henry Cavil's Wolverine
Played By: Henry Cavill
Who Is Henry Cavill's Wolverine: The "Cavillrine" was born out of the popular fancast and long-running rumor that he would play Wolverine in the MCU.
One of the most surprising moments in Deadpool & Wolverine is Henry Cavill's unexpected cameo as a Wolverine variant. This version of Wolverine is seen fixing a motorcycle before turning around to reveal himself with Wolverine's famed hairstyle and chomping on a cigar. Deadpool humorously dubs this variant "Cavillrine." Cavill's casting here is primarily a playful nod to the ongoing fan-casting of him as Wolverine in the MCU.
Deadpool, true to form, breaks the fourth wall by suggesting that Cavill join them, quipping that they would treat him better than the people "down the street."
Though, of course, Cavill is better known for his portrayal of Superman in the DCEU. Cavill's appearance in Deadpool & Wolverine bridges the two major comic book universes in a tongue-in-cheek manner. Deadpool, true to form, breaks the fourth wall by suggesting that Cavill join them, quipping that they would treat him better than the people "down the street." This line mocks the DCEU's abrupt reboot and the numerous characters fans have suggested Cavill could play in the MCU.
Old Man Logan
Played By: Hugh Jackman
Who Is Old Man Logan: This variant of Old Man Logan is a more accurate version of the character after being adapted in Logan.
Deadpool & Wolverine is notable for updating former X-Men movie characters with comic-accurate clothing - with Wolverine’s canary yellow suit being the main example. Another brief example is Old Man Logan, who served as one of the main sources for the movie Logan (along with The Death of Wolverine). This rendition of Wolverine hails from a dystopian future in a universe where Marvel villains have triumphed, creating a harsh and unforgiving landscape divided between them. He first appeared during Mark Millar’s famed tenure writing the Wolverine comic before receiving several solo publications.
Fox reinterpreted Old Man Logan slightly for Logan, but he is portrayed more faithfully in Deadpool & Wolverine. Old Man Logan is depicted wearing the character's distinctive hat and coat while sitting on a porch on his farm in the wilderness. As Deadpool approaches, Wolverine swiftly reveals a shotgun and shoots him. The short scene was a fun reference to comics that have inspired the X-Men movies.
John Byrne's Yellow And Brown Wolverine
Played By: Hugh Jackman
Who Is John Byrne's Yellow And Brown Wolverine: Byrne's yellow and brown Wolverine costume is beloved, and Hugh Jackman's version of the character is seen wearing the costume as he is about to fight the Hulk.
Wolverine’s yellow-and-blue suit is unquestionably his most famous outfit. However, during the golden era of Uncanny X-Men comics, Wolverine mostly wore a yellow and brown suit designed by legendary comic book artist John Byrne. The yellow and brown suit first appeared in Uncanny X-Men #139 and was intended to reflect a darker version of the character. Wolverine wore this suit throughout the majority of the 1980s and early 1990s and variations have appeared in X-Men comics for years since.
A Wolverine variant wearing the yellow and brown suit appeared during the Deadpool & Wolverine montage. Deadpool himself is in awe at his appearance, even name-checking Byrne in the process. Deadpool & Wolverine truly delivered on bringing Wolverine’s famous outfits after years of movies, opting for a relatively more realistic tone. In proffering a comic-accurate rendition of John Byrne’s designs, Deadpool & Wolverine celebrated Wolverine's history even further, with Deadpool’s excitement about each serving as a conduit for the audience.
Uncanny X-Men's Fever Dream Wolverine
Played By: Hugh Jackman
Who Is Uncanny X-Men's Fever Dream Wolverine: This Logan is crucified on an X, and subjected to a series of hallucinations.
During Deadpool & Wolverine’s montage through the Wolverine variants, Deadpool stumbles into a universe and finds himself among rain-soaked, bloodied skulls. He looks up and sees Wolverine crucified on a giant X, in perhaps the darkest and bleakest scene in the whole movie. This is a nod to the classic Marc Silvestri comic cover for Uncanny X-Men #251, which depicts Wolverine in this torturous predicament. The scene in Deadpool & Wolverine recreated the Uncanny X-Men cover with remarkable authenticity, capturing the harrowing image perfectly.
