In live-action alone, Deadpool has had more than one origin story. Ryan Reynolds debuted the character in X-Men Origins: Wolverine, and whether you enjoyed the film or not (probably not), it was certainly a memorable on-screen intro for the Merc with the Mouth.
A member of the Weapon X program, Wade Wilson deviates wildly from the comics as the organization seals Wade’s mouth and turns him into a soundless weapon. Deadpool’s debut was so controversial that Reynolds spent the better part of a decade trying to get it right. Finally, he got his chance in his own solo move that redid his origins.
Though not technically part of Weapon X, this version depicts a mercenary by the name of Wade Wilson getting diagnosed with cancer and through desperation, agrees to be part of a test group. This group puts his body under massive strain and torture to attempt to trigger any latent mutations. It ultimately works, giving Wade impressive healing capabilities but scarring his face. The film was an acceptable addition to the Fox world of Marvel and closer to his comic persona. And while his portrayal is now beloved, there were still some elements missing from his backstory on the big screen.
Where does the name Deadpool come from?
As with most of Deadpool’s personality, the origin of the character largely came from a joke. Created by Rob Liefeld, Deadpool had clear connections to a DC character of a similar name. Slade Wilson (sound familiar?) is a Teen Titans villain and mercenary who goes by the name of Deathstroke. He is portrayed in The CW’s Arrow series by Manu Bennett and briefly in Zack Snyder’s universe by Joe Manganiello. Marvel decided to accept Deadpool as an obvious shout-out to the character and spun a tale that was far more complex than what we see in the movies.
In the comics, Wade joins Weapon X following his cancer diagnosis, in hopes of seeking out a cure. This doesn’t all go according to plan, unfortunately, and when he flunks out of the Weapon X program, Wade is sent to an organization that experiments on Weapon X washouts. The experimentation he suffers there explains what makes Wade so hard to look at. His deformity comes from the fact that his cancer now lives on top of his skin, creating the horrifying visage fans have become accustomed to.
While in the Weapon X rejects program, Wade learns that the other test subjects are running a bet to see who would die first from this experimentation. Otherwise known as a dead pool. Over time, he grows close with the other subjects, and joins in on their twisted betting game.
Through his period with Doctor Killebrew — who runs the program — and Ajax, his assistant, Wade lives in tremendous pain. His frequent brushes with death introduce him to the lady in charge — Lady Death — and he becomes desperate to meet her. So he does everything he can to make Ajax kill him. Unfortunately, Ajax is a cruel and twisted soul, and he refuses to give Wade what he wants. Instead, he kills the other test subjects — Wade’s friends — ultimately granting the Merc with a Mouth victory in the dead pool.
Only then does Ajax kill Wade, but he was never fated to meet Lady Death. The attempt on his life instead triggers Wade’s healing factor, and — unable to die — Wade’s psyche becomes fractured and unhinged, turning him into the hilarious persona we know and love: Deadpool.
The film version teases aspects of this origin story, albeit omitting a few finer details. Wade’s initial desire to die is largely due to his interest in Lady Death, but it was an exercise in intelligent writing to instead pair him up with his other paramour from the comics, Vanessa. As a result, Deadpool does an excellent job of taking the comic history into account while still creating an alternate, grounded story. Albeit one a touch less tragic.