In recent film appearances, Deadpool, portrayed by Ryan Reynolds, demonstrates the extraordinary ability to recover from severe injuries. However, despite his remarkable regenerative powers, Deadpool remains unable to heal the permanent scarring on his face and body. Ryan Reynolds first portrayed Wade Wilson, aka Deadpool, in 2009’s X-Men Origins: Wolverine, and later reimagined the character in his trademark comedic style for the 2016 film titled Deadpool. Following Disney’s acquisition of Fox in 2019, Reynolds was promptly confirmed to bring his version of Deadpool into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). This transition will take place in Deadpool 3, which is currently slated for release on May 3, 2024.
Deadpool 3 will further delve into Wade Wilson’s narrative, while also providing an opportunity for him to cross paths with Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine from Fox’s X-Men franchise. In 2016’s Deadpool, the origin story of Wade Wilson as the eponymous antihero was explored. The film briefly touched upon his past as a mercenary, his relationship with Vanessa Carlysle (played by Morena Baccarin), and his quest for vengeance against Ajax (portrayed by Ed Skrein), the individual responsible for Deadpool acquiring his mutant abilities. Additionally, the film introduced Leslie Uggams’ character, Blind Al, who will make an appearance in the cast of Deadpool 3. Blind Al offered guidance to Wilson regarding his costume, ultimately leading to his iconic red suit. This suit covers Deadpool’s entire body, concealing the extensive scarring that peculiarly remains unaffected by his healing factor, despite his ability to withstand bullet wounds, regenerate limbs, and even return from death.
Deadpool’s inability to heal his face and skin is due to the presence of cancer
In 2016’s Deadpool, Wade Wilson, much like his Marvel Comics counterpart, received a devastating diagnosis of terminal cancer. Motivated to find a cure and unlock his dormant mutant abilities, Wilson underwent experimentation. While the experiments successfully triggered his powers and transformed him into the iconic antihero known as Deadpool, a peculiar aspect emerged: his regenerative healing factor does not heal the extensive scarring that covers his entire body. The explanation lies in the fact that Deadpool’s cancer has not been cured but rather temporarily halted, resulting in an ongoing battle between his healing factor and the cancer cells. This ongoing struggle contributes to his severe disfigurement, which is expected to persist when Deadpool joins the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) in Phase 5.
In the Marvel universe, many mutants undergo dramatic physical transformations as their powers manifest, although few experience the intense and brutal catalyst that Deadpool endured. The emergence of his mutation interacted with his cancer, leading to a profound physical transformation while undergoing prolonged torture at the hands of Ajax. In the events of 2018’s Deadpool 2, Wilson finds himself imprisoned in the Ice Box, where his powers are suppressed. During this time, his cancer resurfaces, confirming that it had not been cured, and it becomes evident that his scarring is irreparable, solidifying its permanent nature.
What Happened To Deadpool’s Face?
In 2016’s Deadpool, the film delves into flashback sequences that depict Wade Wilson’s life leading up to the emergence of his powers. During these sequences, Ryan Reynolds portrayed the Merc-with-a-Mouth without the need for full-body makeup. However, after Wilson’s devastating cancer diagnosis, he willingly volunteered to undergo experiments conducted by Ajax, hoping that developing mutant powers would not only cure his cancer but also enable him to return to a joyful life with Vanessa, whom he had left after his diagnosis. As part of the torturous experimentation process, Wilson was confined within an airtight capsule and subjected to Ajax’s torment for several days. It was during this traumatic experience that Wilson’s mutation manifested, interacting with his cancer and resulting in the extensive scarring that covers his body.
A parallel storyline unfolded within the pages of Marvel Comics, where Deadpool also faced a cancer diagnosis. Seeking a potential cure, he joined the Canadian government’s Department K’s experimental project known as Weapon X. This storyline established an early connection between Deadpool and Wolverine, as Wolverine’s DNA was incorporated into Wilson’s own, activating his regenerative healing factor. Initially, Deadpool operated without any visible scars, but over time, his healing factor began to react to his cancer, resulting in scarring similar to what is seen in his live-action adaptations. The appearance of Deadpool’s disfigurement has often been a comedic element in both Marvel Comics and the film adaptations, and this distinctive feature is likely to continue to provide comedic moments as Deadpool joins the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) in Phase 5.
Is there any point in the comics where Deadpool’s face is shown to heal?
While Deadpool’s healed face hasn’t been depicted in live-action adaptations, it has been shown in Marvel Comics. In 2001’s Deadpool #57, written by Tom Chu, with artwork by Georges Jeanty, Jon Holdredge, Dexter Vines, and lettering by Frank Tieri and Dave Sharpe, Sabretooth convinces Deadpool to join an enhanced version of the Weapon X program. Initially hesitant due to his past encounters with Weapon X, Deadpool eventually agrees and receives an experimental serum designed to enhance his healing abilities. To his surprise, a small test sample of the serum miraculously heals all the scars on Deadpool’s body, restoring his previous handsome appearance. However, as is often the case in Marvel Comics when afflicted heroes seek a cure, Deadpool’s scars eventually resurface.
Although glimpses of Deadpool’s true face beneath the scars have been featured in various comic storylines, these narratives have yet to be adapted into live-action. However, with Deadpool 3 approaching as part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s (MCU) Phase 5, there is a possibility that Ryan Reynolds could portray a scar-free Deadpool, showcasing both his good looks and mutant abilities. The debut of Wade Wilson in the MCU has generated high anticipation, as Reynolds not only brings one of the most entertaining and violent antiheroes to the franchise but also opens the door for other mutants to join Deadpool in the MCU.