The latest Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) release, “Deadpool & Wolverine,” has stirred a mix of reactions, particularly regarding its portrayal of LGBTQ themes. While Deadpool is known as a pansexual superhero in Marvel comics, his cinematic counterpart remains far from a genuine representation of queerness. Instead, the film is riddled with tired jokes about sexuality that fail to move beyond mere punchlines.
In the comics, Deadpool’s pansexuality is explored with depth and authenticity. However, the films have reduced this complexity to a running gag. Ryan Reynolds’ portrayal of Deadpool is characterized by an endless stream of jokes about anal sex and male attraction, which are never treated with the same sincerity as his heterosexual affections. This disparity becomes especially glaring in the latest film, where Deadpool’s genuine moments are reserved exclusively for his ex-girlfriend Vanessa.
Critics argue that these jokes are a natural extension of Deadpool’s irreverent humor, touching on all subjects without bias. Yet, the inconsistency in tone when addressing heterosexual versus same-sex attractions suggests a deeper issue. While Deadpool’s love for Vanessa is depicted with earnestness, his interactions with male characters are purely comedic, lacking any real emotional substance.
One of the more cringeworthy moments occurs when Deadpool visits the Time Variance Authority. As he gets fitted for his new suit, the tailor grabs, gropes, and slaps his ass and crotch repeatedly. Deadpool quips, “FYI your tailor is a predator, but I love it!” This scene is emblematic of the film’s reliance on outdated and unfunny humor.
Another instance is when Deadpool and Wolverine are captured and tied together. Deadpool asks, “How long was I asleep?” Wolverine replies, “Not all of you was asleep,” referring to Deadpool’s crotch. The moment is intended to be humorous but instead reinforces tired stereotypes.
A similar tone is struck when the pair escapes from Cassandra Nova, and Deadpool, lying on top of Wolverine, says, “Shh, shh, shh, almost done,” before revealing he was “getting my knife out of your buttocks, pervert!” These jokes are more juvenile than genuinely funny and fail to offer meaningful commentary on Deadpool’s sexuality.
The film also includes a line from Kidpool, who tells Deadpool, “Hey when I want your opinion, I’ll take Wolverine’s dick out of your mouth.” This crass humor, reminiscent of an old “South Park” episode, is another example of the film’s problematic approach to LGBTQ representation.
Lastly, a scene in the TVA has Deadpool responding to a character’s line, “I want to show you something… something huge,” with, “That’s what scoutmaster Kevin used to say.” This type of humor feels more like a dated sitcom than a progressive superhero film.
The dynamic between Deadpool and Wolverine further highlights this problem. Scenes filled with suggestive humor and sexual tension fail to convey any genuine attraction. Instead, they come across as juvenile jokes aimed at provoking a laugh rather than offering insight into Deadpool’s character. This approach not only alienates LGBTQ audiences but also reinforces outdated stereotypes about same-sex attraction.
Moving Beyond Outdated Tropes
Hollywood has a long history of misrepresenting or trivializing LGBTQ characters, often reducing them to caricatures. This film, unfortunately, continues that trend, offering jokes that feel more at home in a high school locker room than in a progressive superhero movie. The repeated reliance on crude humor about sexuality is not only unfunny but also unoriginal, failing to resonate with either queer audiences or those seeking sophisticated comedy.
It’s essential to recognize that queer characters can be complex and flawed, embodying a range of traits from heroism to villainy. However, their queerness should not be the butt of the joke. Instead, it should be an integral part of their identity, treated with the same respect and depth as any other aspect of their character. “Deadpool & Wolverine” falls short in this regard, offering a series of stale, homophobic jokes that do little to advance queer representation in the MCU.
In the end, the film’s treatment of LGBTQ themes is a missed opportunity. Rather than pushing boundaries or offering new perspectives, it falls back on outdated tropes that fail to engage or entertain. As audiences continue to demand better representation, it’s crucial for filmmakers to move beyond these tired jokes and embrace a more nuanced approach to queer characters.
