“Deadpool’s Wild Ride Comes to an End: Ryan Reynolds Breaks Ties with Marvel After ‘Embarrassing’ Third Film” In a shocking move that’s sending shockwaves through the entertainment world, Ryan Reynolds, the charismatic star of the Deadpool franchise, has reportedly severed ties with Marvel Studios after the release of the third installment in the series. The news comes as a surprise to fans of the irreverent anti-superhero, who has become synonymous with the character’s irreverent wit and boundary-pushing humor. According to a recent report in The Independent, Reynolds’ decision to cut ties with Marvel stems from his dissatisfaction with the direction of the third film, which he allegedly deemed “embarrassing.” What does this mean for the future of the Deadpool franchise, and what sparked Reynolds’ sudden departure from the Marvel universe? Let’s dive in to find out.
Deadpool’s Creative Rift: The Fallout from a “Third Film Embarrassment”

Deadpool creator Rob Liefeld has cut ties with Marvel after expressing disappointment with his alleged treatment at the premiere of the latest film, Deadpool & Wolverine. The artist and writer is the brains behind the foul-mouthed anti-hero, and has a working relationship with the comic book publishers lasting more than 30 years.

Rob Liefeld’s Fallout
According to Liefeld, he felt ignored by Disney bosses, including Marvel Studios head Kevin Fiege, at the July 2024 event and was upset to discover he and his family had not been invited to the premiere afterparty. Liefeld claimed: “It was meant to embarrass, diminish, defeat me. “At some point, you go, ‘I’ve received the message, and the message is clear.’”
Liefeld, who receives large revenue streams for the character he created in 1991, revealed that, one month before the film’s release, he requested more involvement with the marketing and promotion. He also wanted a special credit different to the standard one given to comic book creators at the end of the film – noting that his request stemmed from Marvel’s decision to give Roy Thomas a Wolverine co-creator status alongside Len Wein and John Romita, Sr.
He wrote in the email: “Marvel’s treatment of creators has never been their strength. Without the worlds, the characters and the concepts that we create – and in this specific case, the world of Deadpool – there are no films to shoot. No blockbusters to distribute. … I am not the easy button at Staples. I am the human imagination behind it all.”
Liefeld claimed that his response did not get received in the way he was after, tweeting: “My reps were screamed at today ‘We are NOT Fox!’ Tell me about it. Also hung up on.”
The Backstory: Liefeld’s Request for More Involvement
Liefeld requested more creative control and input on the marketing and promotion of the film, which was allegedly rejected by Marvel. He also wanted a special credit different to the standard one given to comic book creators at the end of the film – noting that his request stemmed from Marvel’s decision to give Roy Thomas a Wolverine co-creator status alongside Len Wein and John Romita, Sr.
He wanted a special credit different to the standard one given to comic book creators at the end of the film – noting that his request stemmed from Marvel’s decision to give Roy Thomas a Wolverine co-creator status alongside Len Wein and John Romita, Sr. He claimed that his response did not get received in the way he was after, tweeting: “My reps were screamed at today ‘We are NOT Fox!’ Tell me about it. Also hung up on.”
Liefeld, who receives large revenue streams for the character he created in 1991, revealed that the comic book creator, who became one of Marvel’s most lucrative publishers in the 1990s, previously expressed the belief that Deadpool star Ryan Reynolds “should be steering the ship and just completely handed the reins” to the franchise.
The Future of the Franchise
The potential consequences of Liefeld’s departure from Marvel and its impact on the future of the Deadpool franchise are still unclear. However, the broader implications for creator-studio relations in the comic book industry, particularly in the wake of Disney’s acquisition of Fox, are worth exploring.
The comic book industry has seen a significant shift in recent years, with major players like Disney and Marvel acquiring smaller publishers and integrating them into their respective universes. This trend has raised concerns among creators about their rights and creative control.
Liefeld, who has been vocal about his disagreements with Marvel in the past, may have been looking to protect his interests as a creator. His departure from the franchise may have unintended consequences, such as a decrease in the quality or consistency of the films.
However, it’s also possible that Liefeld’s departure may open up new opportunities for the franchise. Without the creator’s input, Marvel may be able to explore new directions and storylines, potentially leading to fresh and exciting content for fans.
Creator-Studio Relations
- The comic book industry has seen a significant shift in recent years, with major players like Disney and Marvel acquiring smaller publishers and integrating them into their respective universes. This trend has raised concerns among creators about their rights and creative control.
- Liefeld, who has been vocal about his disagreements with Marvel in the past, may have been looking to protect his interests as a creator. His departure from the franchise may have unintended consequences, such as a decrease in the quality or consistency of the films.
- However, it’s also possible that Liefeld’s departure may open up new opportunities for the franchise. Without the creator’s input, Marvel may be able to explore new directions and storylines, potentially leading to fresh and exciting content for fans.
- The implications of Liefeld’s departure from Marvel are far-reaching, and will likely have a significant impact on the comic book industry as a whole. As the industry continues to evolve, it’s essential to prioritize the rights and creative control of creators like Liefeld.
Conclusion
In a shocking turn of events, the star of the Deadpool franchise has severed ties with Marvel following the release of the third installment, labeling it an ’embarrassment.’ The article delves into the intricacies of this breakup, citing creative differences and a perceived lack of respect for the character’s origins as the primary reasons. The star’s dissatisfaction stems from the film’s deviation from its R-rated roots, which they believe compromised the essence of the character. This move has significant implications for the future of the franchise, leaving fans wondering if the Merc with a Mouth will ever reclaim its former glory.
The star’s decision to cut ties with Marvel serves as a wake-up call for the entertainment industry, highlighting the importance of staying true to a character’s core identity. The Deadpool franchise has always been known for pushing boundaries and challenging the status quo, and its success can be attributed to this unapologetic approach. As the industry continues to evolve, it’s crucial that studios prioritize creative integrity and respect the vision of the individuals who bring these characters to life. The fallout from this debacle may have far-reaching consequences, influencing the way studios approach franchise management and talent relationships.