Marvel animated series What If...? ended its spectacular run with the epic multiverse finale bringing audiences to an extraordinary assembly of character variants. What probably made the most jaws drop, however, was that variant of Deadpool. The series finale, by the Watcher's narration, presented a montage of alternate universe characters.
Yes, What If...? Season 3 reportedly gives a sneak peek at a dangerous Deadpool variant. This specific variant of Deadpool was highly armed and dangerous, giving everyone an immediate idea of the possibilities of his origin story and what kind of story he may lead to.
The armed version of Deadpool in What If...? season 3 finale: A Sight Feat
The Deadpool variant was a standout character in the closing montage of the finale. In contrast to the usual portrayals, this version was fitted with an enormous arsenal of weapons, including a Gatling gun and two gigantic cannons that nearly reached six feet above his head.
The visual design was a complete departure from previous interpretations of Deadpool. It featured gigantic armaments mounted on both shoulders, a classic red suit that retained the character's iconic look, multiple other guns attached to his costume, and oversized weapons that implied over-the-top combat abilities.
All this armory suggested a sort of hyper-aggressive version of Wade Wilson, and in this case, an over-the-top interpretation that goes beyond the norm. All of these weapons seem well-thought-out, indicating an iteration of Deadpool who has become more about sheer firepower rather than his usual close-combat skills.
Possible comic book backstories and story involvements
Theories regarding this variant in the What If...? season 3 finale relate to many comic book storylines:
1) "Deadpool kills the Marvel universe" Inspiration
This design could be referencing the nihilistic Deadpool, which is essentially an unstoppable destroying force for the universe. Weapons similar for more gung-ho, "military-style" destruction of characters. Furthermore, it suggests that Wade Wilson is completely amoral with no bounds on his behavior
2) Themes related to Multiverse Exploration
The introduction of this variant represents the infinite possibilities of character redefinition. It demonstrates the potential for one change to create dramatically different interpretations of characters. Furthermore, it showcases Marvel's commitment to the creative development of characters.
3) Technical design considerations
The weapons suggest advanced, high-tech modifications, potentially a Deadpool from a more militarized alternate reality. It indicates a potential crossover with military-themed Marvel universes.
Multiverse Context and Significance
The appearance was part of a larger montage featuring roughly two dozen unique variants, including:
- A duck Scarlet Witch
- A samurai Ghost Rider
- An Ironheart/Punisher mashup
- Multiple reality-bending character interpretations
This version of Deadpool was the creative potential for the multiverse concept, providing fans with a glimpse of a different Wade Wilson who would be more heavily armed than ever before and perhaps the most dangerous. The few scenes in the What If...? season 3 finale suggested multiple narrative possibilities and potential future storytelling directions.
Marvel's What If...? season 3 finale delivered a tantalizing peek into a potentially deadly Deadpool variant. While the appearance was brief, it left fans speculating about the character's origins and potential future appearances in the Marvel multiverse. What If...? demonstrated once again its ability to explore infinite narrative possibilities through creative character reimaginings.
The weaponized Deadpool is proof that Marvel's creativity in storytelling knows no bounds, proving even the most established characters can be dramatically restyled across infinite realities.