In the world of superheroes, Deadpool is a name that stands out, not just for his unique blend of humor and action, but also for the way Ryan Reynolds has brought the character to life on the big screen. However, there was once a different vision for the Merc with a Mouth that could have changed the landscape of animated superhero content. The canceled Deadpool animated series, which was set to be helmed by Donald and Stephen Glover, remains a missed opportunity that continues to haunt fans of the character.
The Unfulfilled Promise: Deadpool’s Animated Debut
After the phenomenal success of Legion, a bold and mind-bending take on the Marvel universe, FX was ready to push the envelope further. The network teamed up with the Glover brothers to bring Deadpool into the world of adult animation. With Donald Glover’s creative genius—evident from his work on Atlanta—paired with the irreverent nature of Deadpool, fans were eager to see what the duo could produce. The potential was enormous; however, the series was abruptly canceled, leaving many wondering what could have been.
The Taylor Swift Episode That Never Was
One of the most talked-about aspects of the canceled series is an episode that was reportedly centered around pop superstar Taylor Swift. In a tweet that has since been deleted, Stephen Glover revealed that this particular episode, which he described as “HILARIOUS,” was a significant factor in the show’s cancellation.
There really was a Taylor Swift episode. It was HILARIOUS. And it definitely was the last straw lol.
The Glover brothers had crafted a show that wasn’t just another superhero story—it was poised to be a cultural commentary wrapped in the chaotic energy that Deadpool is known for. Unfortunately, this bold approach, including the Taylor Swift episode, seemed to have pushed Marvel too far out of their comfort zone, leading to the show’s untimely demise.
A Missed Opportunity: What Could Have Been
Donald Glover wasn’t just set to produce; he was also going to give Deadpool a new voice, one that would likely have been as distinct and memorable as his work on other projects. Glover himself expressed that their show wasn’t “too Black,” but rather that it could have been a formidable rival to the likes of Rick & Morty—another boundary-pushing animated series. The idea of a Deadpool show that could compete with such a giant in the world of adult animation still resonates with fans who feel robbed of what could have been a groundbreaking series.
The Script That Got Away
In the wake of the cancellation, Donald Glover shared 14 pages from the show’s script via a series of now-deleted tweets. These pages offered a glimpse into what the series could have been—a sharp, witty, and culturally relevant take on the antihero that both Ryan Reynolds and Deadpool fans praised. While these snippets only fueled the disappointment, they also solidified the idea that the Glover brothers were onto something truly special.
Fan Outrage and the Call for Revival
The cancellation of the Deadpool animated series didn’t just leave a void; it sparked a wave of fan outrage. A piece of test footage, which surfaced online, further stoked the flames. Created by Titmouse, the studio behind many popular animated series, the footage featured Deadpool in a style that felt both fresh and true to the character. Though it was ultimately rejected in favor of Floyd County Productions, known for their work on Archer, the footage left fans yearning for what could have been.
Fans Demand More Deadpool
The cancellation of the show led to a significant outcry from fans, who took to social media to express their disappointment and demand that Marvel reconsider their decision. Comments like:
Honestly, at this point, they need to make the Deadpool cartoon; it would be awesome.
They need to revive this mannnn~
are just a few examples of the widespread desire for a Deadpool animated series.
In 2018, FX Chair John Landgraf addressed the cancellation, revealing that it was Marvel’s decision to pull the plug. Landgraf expressed his support for the Glover brothers’ vision, but acknowledged that Marvel wasn’t ready to take the leap. Marvel couldn’t trust in Stephen and Donald Glover’s vision.
Much to the dismay of fans who believed in the potential of the series.
The Future of Deadpool in Animation
While the animated series was a missed opportunity, the potential for Deadpool in animation is far from dead. The character’s unique blend of humor, action, and meta-commentary makes him a perfect fit for the medium. In fact, Wade Wilson’s appearance in the Ultimate Spider-Man series proved that even a toned-down, PG-rated version of the character can resonate with audiences if executed well.
Could an R-Rated Deadpool Animated Series Work?
Given the success of R-rated animated content in recent years, from Harley Quinn to Invincible, there’s a growing argument that Deadpool deserves his own adult-oriented animated series. The freedom of animation allows for the kind of wild, unrestrained storytelling that Deadpool fans crave, and it could be the perfect platform for exploring the more outrageous aspects of the character that live-action simply can’t capture.
As fans continue to rally for the return of the Deadpool animated series, the ball is in Marvel’s court. The demand is there, the potential is undeniable, and with the right creative team, Deadpool could become a trailblazer in the world of animated superhero content. Whether Marvel decides to revisit the Glover brothers’ vision or take the character in a new direction, one thing is clear: the world is ready for an animated Deadpool, and it’s time to deliver.
For now, fans can only imagine what could have been—but they won’t stop pushing for what could still be.
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