Should Marvel Adapt ‘Deadpool Kills The Marvel Universe’ After Avengers: Secret Wars?

A Comic That Redefines Deadpool

Deadpool Kills the Marvel Universe (2012), written by Cullen Bunn with art by Dalibor Talajić, is one of the most infamous and beloved Deadpool stories. In this alternate-universe tale, Wade Wilson is committed to an asylum by the X-Men. His therapist turns out to be Psycho-Man in disguise, who attempts to brainwash him. The plan backfires spectacularly: Deadpool’s signature inner voices are silenced, replaced by a single, nihilistic “evil voice” urging total destruction.

Realizing he’s a fictional character trapped in an endless cycle of suffering for readers’ amusement, Deadpool breaks the fourth wall completely. His response? A methodical, brutal genocide of the entire Marvel Universe—starting with the Fantastic Four, moving through the Avengers, X-Men, Spider-Man, cosmic entities, and even The Watcher. No one is safe. The story is dark, gory, meta, and unapologetically Deadpool.

The MCU’s Current State: Post-Secret Wars Reset

Avengers: Secret Wars, set for release in December 2027, is poised to conclude the Multiverse Saga (Phases 4–6). Drawing from Jonathan Hickman’s 2015 comic event and elements of the original 1984 Secret Wars, the film is expected to feature massive incursions, colliding realities, Battleworld, and a major reset of the MCU timeline. Rumors suggest it could introduce a “singular timeline,” recast or reintroduce the X-Men, and feature big roles for characters like Spider-Man variants and Deadpool.

After such a cataclysmic event, the MCU could emerge refreshed—new status quo, integrated mutants, perhaps a soft reboot feel. This creates fertile ground for bold experiments, especially with Deadpool now canon in the MCU thanks to Deadpool & Wolverine (2024).

Pros: Why Adaptation Could Be a Game-Changer

• Tone Shift and Fresh Energy: The MCU has faced criticism for formulaic storytelling. A Deadpool Kills… adaptation (perhaps animated, or as a What If…? style special) would deliver ultra-violent, irreverent chaos—perfect Deadpool humor mixed with genuine horror.
• Meta Commentary on the MCU: Post-Secret Wars, Deadpool could “kill” outdated versions of heroes, symbolizing the reset. It ties into fourth-wall breaks seen in Deadpool & Wolverine, mocking MCU fatigue or multiverse overload.
• Deadpool’s Popularity: Ryan Reynolds’ version thrives on absurdity and violence. An adaptation could feature variant kills, cameos from legacy actors, or even tie into multiversal threats like Doom.
• Creative Freedom: In an alternate timeline or What If…? scenario, Marvel could “kill” characters without permanent consequences—ideal for shocking moments and fan service.

“Deadpool discovers he’s fictional… His solution? Kill everyone. Systematically. Brutally.” — Summary of the comic’s premise

Cons: Why It Might Be Too Risky

• Tonal Clash: The MCU balances spectacle with hope. A story where Deadpool slaughters heroes (including icons like Spider-Man or Captain America) could alienate family audiences or feel too nihilistic.
• Character Rights and Stakes: Permanently killing major players—even in a variant story—risks backlash. The comic’s appeal is its “what if” extremity; diluting it for live-action might ruin the impact.
• Adaptation Challenges: The story’s fourth-wall breaks and graphic violence work better in comics or animation. A live-action version could feel gimmicky or overly dark compared to Deadpool & Wolverine‘s R-rated fun.
• Fan Expectations: Many prefer Deadpool as chaotic good. Turning him into a full villain (even temporarily) might divide audiences, especially after his heroic turn in recent films.

Possible Formats for Adaptation

Marvel doesn’t need a full theatrical movie. Smarter options include:

• An R-rated animated film or series (like What If…? but bloodier).
• A multiverse episode/special post-Secret Wars.
• A comic-inspired Deadpool 4 storyline where a variant Deadpool goes rogue.

Conclusion: Yes—But With Caution

Marvel should adapt Deadpool Kills the Marvel Universe after Avengers: Secret Wars but not as a direct, mainline canon event. The Multiverse Saga’s end offers a perfect window for experimentation: use the reset to explore dark, meta stories that reinvigorate the brand.

A faithful adaptation risks alienating viewers, but a creative riff—perhaps a “What If Deadpool Snapped?” variant killing twisted multiversal heroes could be thrilling. With Ryan Reynolds’ involvement and Deadpool’s fourth-wall mastery, it could deliver the MCU’s most audacious, talk-about-it-for-years moment yet.

What do you think too far, or exactly the chaos the MCU needs?