Deadpool Creator Rob Liefeld Cuts Ties with Marvel After Disagreements

Rob Liefeld, the creator of Deadpool, has ended his long-standing relationship with Marvel after expressing dissatisfaction with his experiences surrounding the premiere of Deadpool & Wolverine. Liefeld, who has been associated with Marvel for over 30 years, felt slighted by his treatment at the event.

Liefeld’s Disappointment at the Premiere

Liefeld stated that he felt ignored by Disney executives, including Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige, at the New York premiere of Deadpool & Wolverine in July 2024. He was also upset that he and his family were not invited to the afterparty. Speaking on his podcast Robservations, Liefeld said he felt the situation was intended to embarrass and diminish him.

Liefeld receives revenue from the character he created in 1991. A month before the film’s release, he requested more involvement in the marketing and promotion. He also wanted a special credit, different from the standard credit given to comic book creators at the end of the film. He referenced Marvel’s decision to grant Roy Thomas Wolverine co-creator status alongside Len Wein and John Romita, Sr., as a precedent.

In an email, Liefeld emphasized the importance of creators, stating that without the characters and concepts they create, there would be no films or blockbusters. He felt his request was not well-received, tweeting that his representatives were yelled at and hung up on.

Requests for Credit and Creator Recognition

Liefeld’s desire to be featured more prominently in the credits of Deadpool & Wolverine has been a point of contention. He believes comic book creators should not have to fight for recognition and that their credits should be at the beginning of films, similar to Siegel & Shuster in Superman: The Movie.

He shared a 2015 email in which he requested that 20th Century Fox credit him and Fabian Nicieza for their role in creating Deadpool ahead of the 2016 Deadpool release.

Reactions and Support

Following his statements, Liefeld expressed gratitude for the support he received. He reiterated his belief that comic creators are special and deserve special treatment, noting that a kind word costs nothing. He hoped the situation would improve for others in the future.

While Liefeld has received support from fans, some have pointed out that he is paid and credited for his role in bringing Deadpool to life. Some question his need for special treatment. An article in The Hollywood Reporter also questioned some of Liefeld’s grievances, referencing his supposed attempts to diminish Fabian Nicieza’s role in Deadpool’s creation.

Past Issues and Criticisms

Liefeld’s relationship with Marvel has reportedly been strained. Critics have pointed to past behavior, such as downplaying the contributions of Deadpool co-creator Fabian Nicieza. However, Liefeld claims he advocated for co-creator status for both himself and Nicieza in the Deadpool films and acknowledges the contributions of others like Joe Kelly and Ryan Reynolds. He received the standard ‘Deadpool created by’ credit in the new movie, which also included an easter egg referencing Liefeld.

Broader Implications

Liefeld expressed discomfort with Feige’s treatment of comic creators, contrasting it with James Gunn’s approach. While Feige has publicly acknowledged creators, Liefeld wants more direct engagement. Despite these issues, Liefeld hosted fan screenings for the movie.

His final Marvel work will be with Deadpool Team-Up No. 5. He felt it was important to share his perceived slight, despite the vulnerability it exposed.