Marvel’s Missed Opportunity: Weapon X in Deadpool & Wolverine
While Deadpool and Wolverine couldn’t possibly host every Marvel movie cameo, fans were treated to a plethora of thrilling appearances that have sparked conversations long after the film’s record-breaking release. Despite this, some iconic X-Men figures, like Storm and Cyclops, were notably absent, leaving a void for enthusiasts. Among the intriguing cameos that never materialized, Wolverine’s coolest variant—his Weapon X persona—remained unexplored.
Rediscovering Weapon X Through Cosplay
Fortunately, the creative talents of Reddit user @dorksidefitness have brought this version of Wolverine to life. This impressive cosplay, shared four years ago, captures what a Weapon X cameo might have looked like, even though it didn’t make it to the big screen.
Drawing inspiration from Barry Windsor Smith’s Marvel Comics Presents #79, this cosplay showcases Wolverine in a cyberpunk-inspired helmet, adorned with a pink visor. Although a nod to this design appeared in 2016’s X-Men: Apocalypse, the film stripped away some of the more striking elements, such as the visor.
Weapon X: The Unexplored Frontier
Marvel’s Decision to Omit
In X-Men: Apocalypse, Hugh Jackman’s cameo omitted the face-concealing visor from Windsor Smith’s artwork to ensure the focus remained on Jackman’s star power. Including the visor might have diminished his presence, potentially leading Fox to opt for a body double instead. The omission in Deadpool & Wolverine might seem less justified, though it likely aimed to keep the spotlight on other variants like Cavillrine.
Untapped Potential in Wolverine’s Origin
Marvel’s concept artist Phil Saunders had crafted designs for Weapon X Wolverine in Deadpool & Wolverine, yet the concept remained unused. Marvel Comics Presents #79 depicts a pivotal chapter in Wolverine’s origin, detailing his transformation into an adamantium-infused weapon. This storyline, filled with dark themes, was only partially explored in Fox’s X-Men films and could have enriched Wolverine’s narrative in Deadpool & Wolverine. However, such depth might be best suited for a dedicated film.
A Cosplayer’s Triumph: Bringing Weapon X to Life
The Crown Jewel of Live-Action Adaptation
In the absence of a full-fledged cinematic portrayal, @dorksidefitness’ Weapon X cosplay stands as a definitive live-action adaptation. The painstaking attention to detail in replicating the cyberpunk helmet and metal implants is commendable, capturing the essence of the original comic design. This four-year-old creation serves as a beacon of hope for future MCU projects to delve into this crucial aspect of Wolverine’s origins.
Looking Ahead: The MCU’s X-Men Future
Deadpool & Wolverine
A follow-up to the highly successful Deadpool and Deadpool 2 films starring Ryan Reynolds as the Merc with a Mouth. The third film will be the first in the franchise to be developed under the Marvel Studios banner following Disney's acquisition of 20th Century Fox.
Captain America: Brave New World
Thunderbolts*
The Fantastic Four (2025)
Blade (2025)
Avengers: Doomsday
Source: @dorksidefitness/Reddit
