Deadpool & Wolverine was a cinematic playground for exploring the multiverse, and nowhere was this more evident than in its plethora of Wolverine variants giving fans a live-action look of iconic versions of the X-Men character. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most memorable ones explained. SPOILER WARNING!
Wolverine Adamantium Skeleton
In a shocking and unexpected twist, Deadpool & Wolverine utilized Wolverine’s adamantium skeleton. This skeleton belonged to the Wolverine variant from 2017’s Logan which resides in the Fox Universe—the same universe as “Prime” Deadpool. The Logan film was supposed to serve as Hugh Jackman’s farewell to the character he has played since 2000’s X-Men movie.
Rather than being a simple homage, the film actively incorporates Logan’s skeletal remains. Deadpool, in a darkly comedic turn, exhumed Wolverine’s corpse, which had decomposed to leave behind only the adamantium skeleton.
Far from being a disrespectful act, this serves as a poignant reminder of Logan’s ultimate sacrifice. Moreover, it becomes a macabre yet effective weapon for Deadpool. The once-living hero, now reduced to his skeletal form, is repurposed as a tool for survival and vengeance.
Age of Apocalypse Wolverine (Weapon Omega)
The Wolverine from the Age of Apocalypse story line is a variant of the character from an alternate reality where the powerful mutant Apocalypse has conquered the world. Known as Weapon Omega, this version of Wolverine is significantly different from the familiar one played by Hugh Jackman.
Unlike the original Wolverine, this version is missing his left arm, replaced by a metal prosthesis. He has a much more unkempt and feral look, with long, untidy hair. This Wolverine is considerably more aggressive and violent, reflecting the harsh realities of his world.
In Deadpool & Wolverine, this variant appears as a brief but memorable encounter. His appearance serves as a stark contrast to the other Wolverine versions, highlighting the grim nature of the Age of Apocalypse universe.
Patch Wolverine
Patch Wolverine is a unique variant of the character featured in the Deadpool & Wolverine movie. This version of Wolverine presents a stark contrast to the gruff, animalistic Logan typically portrayed.
Patch sports a sophisticated look, complete with a stylish suit and a distinctive eyepatch. This is a far cry from the character’s usual rugged attire.
His demeanor is more suave and composed compared to the brash, often volatile Wolverine. He exudes a certain charm and wit, making him a surprising departure from the original character.
Patch is a reimagined Wolverine, offering a fresh perspective on the character. His appearance and personality create a compelling and unexpected take on the iconic mutant.
Comic Book Accurate Height
One of the most memorable Wolverine variants introduced in Deadpool & Wolverine was the comically short version of the character. This unexpected portrayal was a playful nod to the comic book accurate height of Wolverine, which is significantly shorter than the towering presence of Hugh Jackman in previous films.
In Marvel comics, Wolverine is typically around 5 feet 3 inches tall. Jackman’s stands at 6 feet 2 inches. This shorter stature is a key element of his character design, contributing to his often underestimated and gritty persona.
The short Wolverine served as a humorous counterpoint to the typically imposing figure of the character. His diminutive stature created a visual gag that brought a lighthearted moment to the film. By introducing this variant, the movie acknowledged the discrepancy between the comic book and cinematic interpretations of Wolverine, offering a meta-commentary on the character’s appearance.
Classic Brown and Yellow Suit
Often referred to as the “brown-ochre” Wolverine, this variant is one of the most iconic looks for the character. In Deadpool & Wolverine, this version of Logan makes a triumphant appearance, fulfilling a long-held desire of fans to see Hugh Jackman don the classic brown and yellow suit.
The costume is faithfully recreated for the film, capturing the essence of the original comic book design, which first appeared in Uncanny X-Men #139, published in 1980. It was designed by artist John Byrne. This look was also popularized by artist Jim Lee.
The live-action version also led to another iconic image of the Hulk’s reflection on Wolverine’s claws.
Fever Dream Wolverine: A Reference to Iconic Comic Book Cover Art
The “Fever Dream” Wolverine also known as Crucified Wolverine isn’t a specific character variant. Instead, it’s a reference to a particularly iconic image from the comics.
In the comic book Uncanny X-Men #251, there’s a striking cover by Marc Silvestri depicting Wolverine crucified on a giant X. This image has become incredibly famous and is often referred to as the “Fever Dream” cover due to its haunting and surreal nature.
The Deadpool & Wolverine movie pays homage to this iconic image by briefly showing a Wolverine variant in a similar, tortured state. It’s a nod to the comic book’s impact and a visual treat for longtime fans.
Old Man Logan
The older Logan sitting on a porch in the Deadpool & Wolverine movie that shot Deadpool with a shotgun is the Old Man Logan variant. He’s depicted as a grizzled, weathered version of the character, living a solitary existence. This is a direct reference to the popular comic book storyline of the same name, where Wolverine inhabits a dystopian future.
Set Earth-807128, where the United States and the world have been conquered and divided by supervillains. The villains include the Abomination, Magneto, Doctor Doom, and the Red Skull, who is now the president of the United States. Superheroes have been wiped out, and the few survivors are in hiding. Logan lives with his family on a barren plot of land in Sacramento, California, which is now part of Hulkland.
2017’s Logan film was heavily inspired by he Old Man Logan story, but this version takes more visual inspiration from the Marvel comics version.
Cavillrine (Henry Cavill Wolverine Variant)
One of the most talked-about moments in Deadpool & Wolverine was the surprise appearance of Henry Cavill as a Wolverine variant. The cameo was a masterstroke of casting, given the actor’s previous portrayal of Superman and the long-standing fan speculation about him taking on the role of Wolverine.
Cavill’s Wolverine, often referred to as the “Cavillrine,” was a brief but impactful appearance. He was shown as a confident, almost arrogant version of the character, a stark contrast to the more gruff and world-weary Wolverine typically portrayed by Hugh Jackman. The cameo was a playful nod to the actor’s previous role and a clever way to capitalize on fan expectations.
Deadpool & Wolverine is now playing in theaters worldwide.
