Deadpool & Wolverine features a comic-accurate version of Lady Deadpool (Blake Lively), but that was almost not the case. The sequel is a record-breaking success at the box office, and has been hailed as a love letter to both the titular superheroes and the bygone Marvel Fox era of films. A popular sequence in particular features a bevy of different versions of Deadpool, one of which is played by Blake Lively, called Lady Deadpool. Pulled straight from the source material, Lady Deadpool, also known as Ladypool, had a simple yet recognizable costume design, but newly-released concept art for Deadpool & Wolverine reveals she nearly had a completely different look.
Costume illustrator Jonay Bacallado has been posting his art for Deadpool & Wolverine on social media, and a post on Lady Deadpool revealed her original design before the final on-screen version was worn by Blake Lively. On his Instagram post, Bacallado discusses how much the original concept art differed from the actual costume used in the film.
“Doing Deadpool variants in the costume team was such a gift as fans and artists. It was a time to have fun, explore and just be crazy. One of my favourites, that made it into the film, is Ladypool. We wanted to pay homage to the comic representations, but we applied, as we usual do, a sense of realism, studying every single element of the suit, back and forth. Her proportions are quite different from the male version we all know and love, so we embraced the curves and the sinuosity on her new design.”
The version that made it into the film turned out to be less detailed in nature, opting for a more sleek design rather than the plentiful layers and pockets included in the concept art. Lady Deadpool is not necessarily a major part of Deadpool & Wolverine, by any means, but not complicating things and giving her a comic-accurate look certainly helps fans appreciate the cameo.
Lady Deadpool Was Originally Inspired by Blake Lively
Blake Lively playing Lady Deadpool aka Ladypool seems like a no-brainer considering she fits the role and is married to franchise star Ryan Reynolds. However, her connection with the character goes way back before Reynolds was even attached to Deadpool. While on LIVE with Kelly and Mark, Lively discussed how comic creator Robert Liefeld had originally drawn the character based on her likeness, as he and his wife were fans of Gossip Girl, which starred Lively.
“But, basically, there was no association with Ryan, Ryan had no association with Deadpool,” she continued. “He was supposed to make this movie. But, it was a pipe dream. It wasn’t ever really going to happen. And Rob Liefeld drew LadyPool based on… he and his wife watched Gossip Girl. So, it was just kind of crazy how the world… You know, my husband and I got married and Deadpool was made.”
In the sea of cameos in Deadpool & Wolverine, Lady Deadpool is a minor but exciting addition that pays homage to the niche character. Reynolds and co. had to cut a cameo that was near and dear to his heart, but if anything, it proves the filmmakers behind Deadpool & Wolverine put the quality of the film above all else. The fact Lady Deadpool ended up being originally based on Lively, and was a popular fancast anyway, is the ultimate stars-have-aligned moment for the film.