Is Deadpool Still Cursed: An Analysis of His Immortality Status

Deadpool, the iconic anti-hero from Marvel Comics, has often been referred to as being cursed in the context of the comics and films. However, his status as being truly cursed in the traditional sense has been a subject of much online debate. As of the latest update in August 2023, Jack “Wade” Wilson, otherwise known as Deadpool, is no longer under the specific curse attributed to Thanos or any other celestial entity.

The Curses in Comics and Films

In the context of the comic books, Deadpool referred to himself as cursed, but this was more of a colorful way to describe his constant near-death experiences and the many ways he had almost died but managed to survive. For instance, in the comics, the nickname of 'Cursed Merc' was due to Wade's ordeal of being treated at the 'government facility' which was attempting to turn him into a mutant slave. Here, Wade got terminal cancers but was ultimately saved by a being known as 'you know who,' referred to in the comics as 'The One With the Puppet.' This event is Dead Presidents, a stage in Deadpool's life where Thanos wielded the Infinity Gauntlet and killed Deadpool to prove his dominance over the hero.

Deadpool vs. Thanos: The Removal of the Curse

In a pivotal battle featured in the comics, Deadpool vs. Thanos Vol. 1, Issue 1, Thanos brutally defeated Deadpool, seemingly sealing the end of the anti-hero's cursed existence. However, the story reveals that Deadpool did not truly die as a result of Thanos’s attack due to the plot of the conflict involving Mistress Death, who had gone missing. This plot twist was not just a convenient narrative device, but a significant factor in restoring Deadpool to his prime condition, effectively removing any curse placed upon him.

The Absence of Immortality in the MCU

While the comic book universe and the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) have diverged in numerous ways, the concept of Deadpool's curse and immortality is no exception. In the MCU, Deadpool's true nature as a character involves a terminal condition. His diagnosis includes liver cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, and brain cancer. As a result of these devastating health issues, he sought treatment at a government facility, only to discover that it was designed to turn him into a mutant slave, a morally ambiguous angle that explains his reference to being cursed in the context of the films.

The FOX Timeline and Changes in Backstory

Given that FOX owned the rights to the X-Men and the concept of mutants, significant changes to characters' backstories had to be made for compatibility with the MCU. For instance, in the comics, the Scarlet Witch was a mutant daughter of Magneto, while in the MCU, she acquired her powers through experiments with the Mind Stone. Similarly, 'Cancer Face' (also known as 'Doomsday' in the comics) had a different origin story. In the comics, he gained his immortality from Thanos, an impossible celestial entity, making him a more formidable opponent as they both pursued Lady Death, who favored Deadpool. In the MCU, however, Cancer Face’s backstory involves a different entity and circumstances.

Addressing Common Confusions

Dallas, a character known for his views on blogs, has made claims about Deadpool's immortality that are quite misguided. His assertion that Deadpool's immortality was cured by Thanos is based on a misunderstanding of the events in the Deadpool vs. Thanos Vol. 1, Issue 1 comic. Thanos's removal of the curse was part of a larger story where Deadpool was nearly killed by Death herself, and it was not directly linked to the Infinity Gauntlet. Additionally, the concept of immortality, as enjoyed by characters like Thanos, is not without its complications. If immortality meant indefinitely staying in one's prime, it would entail immense suffering as loved ones and friends aged and eventually died, leaving the immortal being alone. This leads to the conclusion that Thanos's option was not necessarily the best, and it would have been a source of immense emotional pain.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Deadpool's status as being cursed in the comic books has been a source of legendary conflict and near-death experiences. However, his cursed existence is now a thing of the past. While the intersection of the comic books and the MCU provides unique and creative storytelling, the instance of Deadpool’s near-certain death by Thanos’s hand, followed by the miraculous restoration of his health and vitality, marks a significant turning point in the character's narrative. These changes and adaptations ensure that Deadpool remains a beloved and enduring icon, free of the shadows of his former curses.