The Deadpool & Wolverine movie has taken the world by storm, raking in over a billion dollars at the box office. It’s safe to say the film is a massive hit, and it delivered on many things that fans have been eagerly waiting for. One of the biggest highlights was finally seeing Wolverine in his iconic yellow suit and cowl—a look fans have been begging for over the years.
Hugh Jackman, who has played Wolverine for over 20 years, once again took up the claws. But this time, we didn’t just get one Wolverine; we got several variants of Wolverine. The movie features around seven different Wolverine variants, each bringing something unique to the table. So, let’s take a closer look at every Wolverine variant featured in the Deadpool & Wolverine movie.
The Main Wolverine Variant: Yellow Suit Wolverine
The Yellow Suit Wolverine is the primary version of the Wolverine in the movie. This is the Wolverine that most fans were excited to see, mainly because of the iconic yellow suit and cowl that’s been a staple of his comic book look for decades. For many fans, this was a dream come true, as we finally got to see Hugh Jackman don the classic outfit on the big screen.
In the movie, we learn that this Wolverine comes from a world where his X-Men teammates—like Scott, Jean, and Beast—were all killed. The heartbreaking event happened when Wolverine got drunk at a bar, and some humans killed the whole X-Men team. This led him into a deep depression. To cope with the loss, he starts drinking heavily, trying to drown his sorrows. The suit he wears is significant because, according to Wolverine, Scott (Cyclops) always begged him to wear it but he didn’t wear. Now, he wears the yellow suit as a way to honor his fallen friends, as it’s one of the few things he has left to remember them by.
Throughout the movie, this Wolverine goes on a redemption arc alongside Deadpool. Together, they work to save Earth-10005, which is the world where all the X-Men and Deadpool movies take place. This version of Wolverine is the heart of the movie, offering fans both nostalgia and a fresh take on the character’s journey.
The Comic Accurate Wolverine
In the movie, first we saw a Short King Wolverine, a variant that had fans talking for sure. In this version, Deadpool walks into a bar and spots Wolverine sitting there, drinking in a black shirt. But when Wolverine stands up, it’s revealed that he’s much shorter than we’re used to seeing. Deadpool even jokes about it, saying that this Wolverine is “comic accurate.”
For those who may not know, in the comics, Wolverine is depicted as being only 5’3″ tall and weighing about 300 pounds, thanks to the adamantium in his bones that makes him super heavy. Fans have long pointed out that Hugh Jackman, who is over 6 feet tall, doesn’t quite match the comic book version in terms of height.
Seeing Wolverine at his true comic height was a fun moment, but it also looked a bit comedic, especially since it’s Hugh Jackman playing the part. Many fans probably thought, “Yeah, maybe the 5’3″ look isn’t quite right.” It’s likely because we’re so used to seeing Hugh Jackman as a taller, more imposing figure. Plus, the idea of him being 5’3″ and 300 pounds might work better on paper than in real life.
The Patch Wolverine
The next Wolverine variant we encounter is Patch Wolverine. This version of Wolverine is based on an alternate persona that the character adopts in the comics. In the movie, Patch is easily recognizable by the eye patch he wears over one eye, which is where he gets his name.
Patch Wolverine comes from a storyline where Wolverine takes on a different identity to operate in the seedy underworld of Madripoor, a fictional island nation in the Marvel Universe. This persona was first introduced in Wolverine issue 1 in 1988, following the events of The Uncanny X-Men series. In this story, Wolverine uses the Patch identity to deal with underground crime and wealth, often taking on the role of an anti-hero.
In the movie, Patch Wolverine is seen gambling and playing cards, which fits perfectly with his underworld connections. He’s dressed in a sharp white tuxedo, staying true to the sophisticated but dangerous vibe of the Patch persona. This version of Wolverine isn’t just about brute strength; he’s also savvy and street-smart, navigating the darker sides of the world with ease.
A fun side note is that in this part of the movie, Patch Wolverine is also connected to Joe Fixit, a variation of the Hulk who is more intelligent and gray instead of green. This little detail adds another layer of depth to the Wolverine variant, showing that Patch operates in circles where not even the Hulk is his usual self.
Weapon Omega Wolverine
One of the most intense Wolverine variants in the movie is Weapon Omega Wolverine. This version of Wolverine is based on the Age of Apocalypse storyline from the comics, where he is one of the angriest and most vicious incarnations of the character ever created.
In the Age of Apocalypse timeline, Wolverine is known as Weapon Omega, and he’s unleashed as Weapon X after overthrowing the tyrant Apocalypse. This version of Wolverine is significantly more powerful and dangerous than the others, having absorbed some of Apocalypse’s powers after defeating him. Weapon Omega Wolverine is a force to be reckoned with, embodying pure rage and aggression with little room for mercy or reason.
In the movie, this variant stands out because of his sheer brutality. There’s a scene where Weapon Omega Wolverine beats Deadpool down in a fight, showcasing just how powerful and ruthless he can be. Some fans even believe that this version represents Wolverine at the peak of his potential, both physically and in terms of his combat abilities.
A distinctive feature of this variant is that he only has one hand, which adds to his unique and battle-hardened appearance. The missing hand is a nod to his violent past and the numerous battles he’s fought, further emphasizing the idea that this Wolverine is a survivor who has been through extreme situations.
The Crucified Wolverine
Another striking and visually intense Wolverine variant from the movie is the Crucified Wolverine. This version is directly inspired by the cover of Uncanny X-Men issue 251, where Wolverine is depicted as being crucified. It’s a dark and gritty take on the character, symbolizing immense suffering and endurance.
In the comics, this storyline involves the X-Men being hunted by a group called the Reavers, who are notorious for their brutality. They see Wolverine as their biggest threat and decide that crucifying him is the best way to neutralize him, despite his healing factor. The idea is that even though Wolverine can heal, being crucified would keep him in constant pain, making it a particularly cruel and twisted form of punishment.
In the movie, this variant was ultimately not included, with Deadpool jokingly saying they decided to go in a different direction. However, the mere reference to this version of Wolverine is enough to remind fans of the darker stories that Wolverine has been a part of in the comics. The Crucified Wolverine represents a moment of extreme vulnerability for a character who is usually seen as nearly invincible, highlighting the lengths to which his enemies will go to try and break him.
The Brown Suit Wolverine vs. The Hulk
One of the most highly anticipated Wolverine variants in the movie is the Brown Suit Wolverine, also known for his iconic battle against the Hulk. This version of Wolverine wears the classic brown and yellow suit, a look that many fans associate with some of his most memorable comic book appearances.
In the movie, Deadpool encounters this Wolverine variant in his distinctive brown and yellow outfit, complete with a somewhat red belt. Deadpool excitedly refers to it as the “classic John Byrne suit,” a nod to the artist who helped popularize this look in the comics. The brown suit first appeared in Uncanny X-Men issue 139 in 1980, and it’s often seen as an alternative to Wolverine’s traditional yellow and blue costume.
What really gets fans excited about this variant is the tease of Wolverine’s famous fight with the Hulk. In the movie, we get a brief but tantalizing glimpse of this epic showdown. Wolverine pops his claws, and in the reflection, we see the Hulk, who notably resembles Mark Ruffalo’s version from the main MCU. This scene is a direct homage to the cover of The Incredible Hulk issue 340 by Todd McFarlane, where Wolverine faces off against the Green Goliath.
This variant stirs up a lot of nostalgia for comic book fans, many of whom have been waiting for a live-action version of Wolverine versus the Hulk. Although the movie only gives us a small taste of this battle, it’s enough to reignite the debate among fans about which version of Wolverine’s costume—yellow and blue or brown and yellow—is the best.
Old Man Logan
Another significant Wolverine variant featured in the movie is Old Man Logan. This version of Wolverine has become incredibly popular, especially after the success of the 2017 film Logan, which was loosely based on the Old Man Logan storyline from the comics.
In the movie, Old Man Logan is depicted as a much older version of Wolverine, whose healing factor has significantly slowed down, causing him to age. He appears worn and battle-hardened, a shadow of his former self, but still incredibly dangerous. This version of Logan is seen wielding a large shotgun, which he uses to blast Deadpool away in one scene, demonstrating that even in his old age, he’s not to be underestimated.
What makes Old Man Logan particularly interesting is how closely he aligns with the comic book version. In the comics, Old Man Logan lives in a dystopian future where most of the heroes have been killed, and he’s one of the few remaining. His appearance in the movie, wearing his signature hat and carrying that massive shotgun, is a nod to his comic book origins and the dark, gritty world he comes from.
While the 2017 movie Logan gave fans a taste of this character, the version in Deadpool & Wolverine stays true to the comic’s depiction, with a more rugged, apocalyptic vibe. This variant is a reminder of Wolverine’s resilience and how he continues to fight, even when he’s well past his prime.
The Cavillrine (Henry Cavill as Wolverine)
The final Wolverine variant in the movie, and perhaps the most surprising, is the Cavilline, a version where Henry Cavill steps into the role of Wolverine. This variant was coined by Shawn Levy and Ryan Reynolds, combining Cavill’s name with Wolverine to create a playful take on the character.
In the movie, we see Henry Cavill portraying Wolverine in a way that’s both humorous and unexpected. He’s shown with wild hair, wearing an undershirt, smoking a cigar, and working on a motorcycle—a classic, rugged look that fits the character perfectly. The scene plays up the joke that Cavill, who was famously known for playing Superman in the DC Universe, has now crossed over to the Marvel side. Deadpool even makes a quip about how “this just feels right,” adding that Marvel will treat Cavill better than the “guys down the street,” referring to his exit from the DCU.
What makes this variant particularly fun is the contrast between Cavill’s previous role as Superman, a symbol of hope and righteousness, and his new role as Wolverine, a grittier, more rough-and-tumble character. The movie leans into this contrast by showing Cavill popping his claws out in a way that mimics how he loaded his biceps in Mission: Impossible—a playful nod to his action movie persona.
This variant stands out not only because it’s the only time another actor besides Hugh Jackman has portrayed Wolverine but also because it taps into the pop culture narrative around Cavill’s departure from DC. The Cavilline is a clever blend of humor, fan service, and a bit of wishful thinking, offering a fresh take on what Wolverine could look like with a different actor in the role.
Bonus Variant: The Unused Wolverine Animal
As a fun little tidbit, there was almost another Wolverine variant in the movie—a literal wolverine animal. Shawn Levy, one of the key creators behind the film, mentioned that they toyed with the idea of including a variant where Wolverine wasn’t a human at all but rather the actual animal, the wolverine.
The idea would have been a humorous and surreal twist, fitting with the overall tone of the Deadpool franchise, which often breaks the fourth wall and plays with absurd concepts. The thought of Deadpool encountering a real wolverine and perhaps mistaking it for a variant of the Wolverine we all know and love is something that could have added another layer of comedy to the film.
However, the creators decided not to go down this path, possibly because it might have been a bit too out there, even for a Deadpool movie. Still, the mere mention of this idea adds to the quirky and imaginative spirit of the film, showing just how far the creators were willing to push the boundaries of what a Wolverine variant could be.
While we didn’t get to see this variant on screen, it’s a fun “what if” scenario that fans can imagine and laugh about, highlighting the playful nature of the Deadpool universe.
Conclusion
The Deadpool & Wolverine offered fans a rich and varied exploration of Wolverine, giving us multiple versions of the character, each with its own unique twist. From the classic Yellow Suit Wolverine to the surprising Cavilline, the film delivered a mix of nostalgia, humor, and pure fan service. Each variant brought something different to the table, whether it was tapping into the comic book roots, playing with new ideas, or giving us a fresh take on an iconic character.
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