Is Deadpool from Marvel or DC?

Everyone’s talking about the Merc with a Mouth right now, but not everyone is sure where he comes from — is Deadpool from Marvel or DC? Here’s what you need to know.

With the Deadpool & Wolverine trailer becoming the most-watched of all time, that smart-mouthed antihero is on everyone’s mind. The new movie will see Deadpool step into the world’s biggest cinematic universe, where’ll join up with the most irritable Mutant around.

But potential audiences are confused, with many having thought that Deadpool was a DC character. If that’s the case, then why is he hanging around with Marvel‘s best and brightest? The trailer even shares glimpses of Deadpool in recognizable Marvel scenes and settings, so what gives?

Well, settle in, because here’s everything you need to know about where Deadpool lands between Marvel and DC.

Is Deadpool a Marvel or DC character?

Deadpool is a Marvel character, having first appeared back in New Mutants #98.

He was created by Fabian Nicieza and Rob Liefeld, and originally served as a villain in the comic book. However, he would develop into an antihero character, becoming one of Marvel’s most famous.

The character was inspired by Deathstroke from Teen Titans, as well as Spider-Man, Wolverine, and Snake Eyes from G.I. Joe. Since his creation, he’s since been spotted with various Marvel characters throughout the comics, including the X-Men, Spider-Man, and Nick Fury.

In fact, Deadpool had such an impact within Marvel that he’s appeared on many rankings of comic book characters. Notably, Entertainment Weekly placed him ninth place on their ranking of every X-Men, and Empire gave him the 45th spot on their list of the 50 Greatest Comic Book Characters.

Why do people think Deadpool is from DC?

It’s likely that people think of Deadpool as a DC character because his first two movies were not explicitly part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

The first two movies were produced by Marvel but were distributed by 20th Century Fox. In fans’ minds, this would place them outside the Marvel/Disney realm that houses the MCU. Deadpool’s close association with the X-Men adds to this confusion since those characters haven’t been a part of the MCU in a major capacity, either.

Deadpool also stands far from the usual MCU fare in terms of style. At the time of its release, the 2016 movie became the highest-grossing R-rated movie of all time. Marvel movies aren’t known for being overly explicit, and Ryan Reynolds’ theatrical take on the character definitely is.

20th Century Fox

Having a character who is extremely violent and famously meta means that he doesn’t really fit in with other, more conventional Marvel characters.

Will Deadpool & Wolverine be part of the MCU?

Deadpool & Wolverine will mark Deadpool’s official MCU debut.

In the trailer, you can already start to see the MCU influences. The TVA, headed by Matthew Macfadyen, enlists Wade Wilson to help them fix the MCU. To this, Wade replies: “Your little cinematic universe is about to change forever. I am the Messiah. I am Marvel Jesus.”

While it’s not certain just how far into the MCU canon Deadpool will travel, fans have already been quick to note all the various Easter eggs hidden throughout the promo. Familiar settings from previous Marvel movies can be spotted, as well as full-on clips as shown in the TVA offices.

Once Deadpool & Wolverine hits theaters, there’ll be no doubt which side of the comic book coin this regenerating degenerate lands on.