What is the connection between Deadpool & Wolverine? Theories and speculations explored

Shawn Levy's 2024 movie brought Deadpool & Wolverine to the screen, but they have a long-shared history together, both in and outside the comics. The two characters first appeared in the MCU in the 2009 movie, X-Men Origins: Wolverine. Deadpool and Logan were part of the mercenary Team X, but Deadpool looked different than usual. His mouth was sewn, incapacitating him from speaking. So, this version of Wade Wilson was farther from his talkative self, which most of us know of.

Speaking about Marvel Comics, Deadpool first appeared in 1991's New Mutants #98 while Wolverine appeared almost two decades ago in 1974’s Incredible Hulk #181. They are connected because of The Weapon X Program since it operated on both of them. The two also share a healing factor passed down from Wolverine to Deadpool when the latter was battling cancer. There's also a link of immortality that connects them in different capacities.

Since Deadpool & Wolverine has already been released, there is nothing to speculate about their relationship in this 2024 film. However, they might continue crossing paths in the upcoming MCU movies. In that case, they will most likely remain frenemies - if we're to trust their dynamic from the Marvel Comics. During an interview about Deadpool's potential return, actor Ryan Reynolds said:

“If he [Deadpool] comes back, I think he’s going to be in someone else’s movie. Channing Tatum is so excited to play Gambit, I would happily be the fifth banana in his movie or anybody else’s.”

Let's find out how their "frenemy" dynamic has unfolded so far.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for Deadpool & Wolverine. Reader discretion is advised.

The Origins of Deadpool & Wolverine: The connection in Comics explored

How are Deadpool & Wolverine connected? (Image via YouTube/@marvel)

In the Marvel Comics, Deadpool & Wolverine met in Wolverine #88, technically for the first time. Deadpool was the sword-bearing man getting in all sorts of fights with Wolverine. The duo stabbed and insulted each other, and started out almost like adversaries. Even in later editions, they continued fighting. One of their infamous combats happened in Deadpool #27 and they continued their rivalry till a delirious battle in Wolverine/Deadpool: The Decoy.

However, their dynamic had many ups and downs, including the times they joined hands to fight their common threats. They once fought together against a group of werewolves and bonded over the torture they faced in the Space X program. Eventually, they teamed up to join the X-force. So, they have always shared a playful banter throughout the course of their association.

Logan's healing factor made it nearly impossible to kill him. Still, Wade, who shares this factor, is considered immortal due to the curse from Thanos, who couldn't bear the thought of seeing Wade with the embodiment of Death.

The origins of Deadpool & Wolverine's connection in Movies explored

Hugh Jackman first played Logan / Wolverine in 2000's X-Men while Ryan Reynolds first appeared as Wade Willson / Deadpool in 2009's X-Men Origins: Wolverine. The latter film showed the Merc With a Mouth and the Best There Is appear together for the first time on screen. However, back then, Deadpool was not the wisecracking goofball that we know him now since his mouth was shut close. He was a surprisingly skilled mercenary and was a part of William Stryker’s Team X.

Much like Logan, Wade was used as an experiment by the Weapon X program. It serves as their connecting link across the series. They had a fight where Wolverine defeated Deadpool. Still, Deadpool seemingly stays alive since he winks even through his chopped-off head. Eventually, they reappeared together in Deadpool & Wolverine, where Deadpool asks miserable Logan to join him on a mission to protect his universe. The duo appears in The Void and battles Cassandra Nova.

Eventually, they join hands to stand up against the Deadpool variants that appear in their world. Although together, they still had the same frenemy chemistry that defined their relationship across the Marvel Comics.