X-Men Origins: Wolverine’s controversial version of Deadpool could actually get redemption in Marvel Studios’ upcoming Deadpool & Wolverine.

Marvel Studios’ Deadpool & Wolverine could give redemption to one controversial Fox X-Men Universe character, if X-Men Origins: Wolverine’s version of Deadpool returns. Marvel Studios and Ryan Reynolds confirmed the development of Deadpool & Wolverine for the MCU shortly after Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox was finalized in 2019. After Reynolds’ Wade Wilson embarked on adventures in 2016’s Deadpool and 2018’s Deadpool 2, his third solo project will bridge the gap between the Fox X-Men Universe and the MCU, and is expected to feature cameo appearances from a number of previous X-Men actors from 20th Century Fox’s now-defunct franchise.

Most notably, Hugh Jackman will be teaming up with Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool as James “Logan” Howlett, a.k.a. Wolverine, a role that he’s portrayed since 2000’s X-Men. Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine saw more development in the Fox X-Men Universe than most other mutant characters, as he was the only member of the X-Men to receive a solo trilogy alongside the main X-Men movies. While not all of these solo projects were well-received, Marvel Studios’ upcoming Deadpool & Wolverine can pay homage to Hugh Jackman’s journey as Wolverine, and give justice to some of the Fox X-Men Universe’s most wasted and controversial characters.

Deadpool & Wolverine’s Headpool Could Be The Version From X-Men Origins: Wolverine

In response to potential promotional art released ahead of Deadpool & Wolverine’s premiere, Reddit users have pondered whether the possible inclusion of Headpool in Deadpool & Wolverine could connect to 2009’s X-Men Origins: Wolverine. In Marvel Comics, Headpool was a Deadpool variant from a reality infested with a zombie virus, and who had been torn apart during a battle, leaving him as only a head. Headpool eventually joined the Deadpool Corps, a group of multiversal Deadpools that has been speculated to appear in Deadpool & Wolverine, but the MCU’s Headpool could have an even stronger connection to Deadpool’s live-action history.

Ryan Reynolds made his first appearance as Wade Wilson in 2009’s X-Men Origins: Wolverine, Hugh Jackman’s first spinoff as Wolverine, which detailed Logan’s backstory prior to losing his memory and joining the X-Men. However, this version of Wade Wilson was transformed by William Stryker into Weapon XI, enhanced with abilities from other mutants and a sewn mouth. After fighting Wolverine and Victor Creed, Weapon XI was decapitated, but the ending of X-Men Origins: Wolverine revealed the head had survived. Weapon XI’s head could become Headpool in Deadpool & Wolverine, delivering the perfect resolution to X-Men Origins’ controversial twist on Deadpool.

Deadpool & Wolverine Can Clear Up Fox’s X-Men Timeline In Other Ways

The timeline of the Fox X-Men Universe became more messy with each new project, with unnecessary revisions and changes being made constantly. This was prime ground for brilliant jokes from Reynolds in Deadpool and Deadpool 2, which is sure to continue in Deadpool & Wolverine. The universe-hopping narrative of Deadpool & Wolverine also offers the opportunity for Deadpool to fix the timeline, however, glossing over mistakes, including Jean Grey and Raven’s deaths, Professor X’s misuse of the wheelchair, and the fact that the X-Men never seemed to age, and establishing a clean slate for Marvel Studios’ X-Men in the MCU.

Note: Marvel Studios’ Deadpool & Wolverine is scheduled to release on July 26, 2024, as part of the MCU’s Phase 5.