Marvel’s latest marketing strategy for “Deadpool & Wolverine” has left many queer fans feeling frustrated and offended. The campaign, featuring posters that imply a romantic relationship between Deadpool and Wolverine, is being criticized for trivializing LGBTQ relationships for humor.
A poster showing Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman holding hands has been called out by fans who see it as a lazy joke at the expense of LGBTQ individuals. One fan commented, “The idea that they could be gay is so funny I’m in hysterics,” highlighting the insensitive nature of the marketing. Another poster parodying “Beauty and the Beast” only added fuel to the fire.
The backlash isn’t just about poor taste; it also touches on missed opportunities for genuine representation. Despite the presence of a canonically queer couple, Negasonic Teenage Warhead and Yukio, in the film, the marketing has focused on exploiting the potential gay relationship between Deadpool and Wolverine for laughs.
“Having this cute lesbian superhero couple in the film, but let’s do queerbaiting with two dudes,” one fan noted, pointing out the irony. Another fan added, “If they don’t f*ck in this movie then I do not want it. This marketing is getting stale and gross.”
The frustration is compounded by the fact that both Deadpool and Wolverine have queer identities in their comic book origins. Deadpool is pansexual, and Wolverine has an alternate universe version who is gay. Fans feel that reducing these complex characters to a punchline is not only disrespectful but also a wasted opportunity for meaningful representation.
The film, which also stars non-binary actor Emma Corrin, is set to release on July 25. Until then, fans are left to wonder if the film will offer any substantive LGBTQ representation or continue to rely on outdated and offensive humor.