Feige informed Liefeld that his desk was currently covered with the writer-artist’s work, notably the Deadpool Corps, a group of zany alternate-reality versions of Deadpool that included the canine Dogpool and the female Ladypool. That was Liefeld’s first idea that such characters would appear in what is now known as Deadpool & Wolverine, which contains a breakout character played by Peggy, a Pug-Chinese Crested mix who previously won the British Ugliest Dog Contest.
” Liefeld recalls thinking after that chat with Feige. “I feel like Dogpool is the next level after Groot and Rocket Raccoon. And I even said, ‘The merchandising on this alone is worth doing it for.’”
He received another indication regarding Deadpool & Wolverine a year ago when Marvel’s business affairs unit called him to inform him of an easter egg referencing him. In one scene, there’s an orthopedic store called Liefeld’s Just Feet, which is a reference to an Internet joke mocking Liefeld’s drawing style. “I was laughing hysterically when the Marvel business affairs people called me,” Liefeld shares. “They were laughing too.”
The joke follows Domino (Zazie Beetz) referring to Liefeld’s ability to draw feet in Deadpool 2 (2018), as well as the creator himself sitting at a bar in the 2016 film that started it all.
He recently visited New York to see the new film at its premiere, taking in the sights and staying at the Langham New York Fifth Avenue Hotel. Deadpool & Wolverine is a high point for Liefeld’s character, and it occurs at an important time in his decades-long friendship with Wade Wilson. The film coincides with his departure from writing and painting Deadpool, with one final book, Deadpool Team-Up, set to release next month.
“I have nothing more to say with the character,” Liefeld explains. “This last adventure that I’m doing with him is so out of left field. It’s the farthest thing from me trying to be cool. It’s the farthest thing from me trying to make him pop. It’s just a weirdo story and I feel like it’s the right kind of vibe.”