When Deadpool 2 exploded onto screens in 2018, audiences were introduced to a character who, against all odds, became a fan favorite. Forget Cable, the time-traveling cyborg; the real scene-stealer was Peter, portrayed by the brilliant character actor Rob Delaney. Peter Wisdom, an ordinary, power-less man seeking purpose, stumbled into Wade Wilson’s recruitment drive for the newly formed X-Force. His sheer ordinariness and undeniable charm won Deadpool over, securing him a spot on the team. His tragic (and hilarious) demise during their first mission was a cinematic gut punch, only made better by his miraculous return in Deadpool & Wolverine.
Rob Delaney’s Peter character auditions for the X-Force team in Deadpool 2, showcasing his ordinary yet endearing nature.
Peter’s Pivotal Role in Deadpool & Wolverine
Thanks to the convenient plot device of Cable’s time-travel technology (liberated by Deadpool, naturally), Wade rewrote history and saved Peter from his initial unfortunate fate. Fast forward six years to Deadpool & Wolverine, set in the reality of Earth-100005, and we find Peter and Wade as mundane car dealership colleagues. Despite the ordinary setting, Peter remains hopeful for Deadpool’s superheroic resurgence, keeping his old X-Force uniform tucked away in his locker – a testament to their unlikely bond.
Rob Delaney humorously cosplays as Deadpool, highlighting the character’s comedic and unexpected evolution in Deadpool & Wolverine.
Peter’s significance in Wade’s life is further underscored by his presence at Deadpool’s birthday celebration early in the film. However, it’s in the climax of Deadpool & Wolverine that Peter’s true importance is revealed. Donning Wade’s classic suit and adopting the moniker “Peterpool,” he arrives at the climactic battle alongside the Deadpool Corps. His mere presence becomes a universal peace trigger; it turns out, across the vast expanse of the Multiverse, every Deadpool seems to have their own version of Peter, a figure they are inherently unwilling to harm. This begs the question: does every Deadpool truly have a Peter? The movie strongly suggests yes, making Peter a surprisingly crucial linchpin in the chaotic Deadpool multiverse.
Comic Book Inspirations Behind Peterpool
Peter Wisdom, as portrayed in the Deadpool films, is largely an original creation for the movies, lacking a direct counterpart in Marvel Comics. However, his character subtly draws inspiration from two distinct Marvel characters, both named Peter, one iconic and the other more obscure.
Peterpool’s Spider-Man Connection
A humorous depiction of Deadpool and Spider-Man’s close, albeit unconventional, friendship in Marvel Comics, hinting at the inspiration behind Peter’s role.
In the comic book universe, Deadpool maintains a uniquely special, and often comedic, relationship with Spider-Man. Peter Parker often serves as Deadpool’s moral anchor, a voice of reason when Wade teeters on the edge of his darker impulses. Due to cinematic rights complexities, Spider-Man couldn’t directly fulfill this role in the Deadpool films. Thus, Peter Wisdom was created as a stand-in, embodying that crucial “Peter” influence in Deadpool’s life. Fans eagerly anticipate a future cinematic crossover, perhaps in Secret Wars, hoping to witness Ryan Reynolds and Tom Holland’s comedic chemistry on screen.
The Nod to Pete Wisdom from X-Men Comics
Marvel’s Pete Wisdom, a British mutant hero, shares a name with Deadpool’s Peter, offering a subtle comic book connection.
The less prominent comic book inspiration for Peter is Pete Wisdom, a mutant character introduced in the 1990s. In stark contrast to the cinematic Peter, comic Pete Wisdom is a sardonic, British MI13 agent and occult expert, often likened to DC’s John Constantine. Known for his trench coat, cigarette, and dry wit, Pete Wisdom joined the British X-Men team Excalibur and even had a relationship with Kitty Pryde. His mutant ability involved projecting “hot knives” of energy from his fingertips, making him a distinctly British, Gambit-esque figure. Interestingly, Pete Wisdom also became a member of X-Force in the comics, creating a tangential link to his cinematic namesake’s association with the team.
Peter’s Endearing MCU Future
Ultimately, the Peter Wisdom of the Deadpool movies is a unique and beloved character, only loosely inspired by comic book elements. Rob Delaney’s portrayal has resonated strongly with audiences, making Peter an integral part of the Deadpool film universe. As Deadpool’s journey continues in the MCU, the hope remains that Peter will remain a constant presence by his side. Perhaps Battleworld in Avengers: Secret Wars would be the perfect chaotic playground for Peter to further cement his status as the essential “Peter” in Deadpool’s multiverse. The question “Does Every Deadpool Have A Peter?” seems to be answered with a resounding and heartwarming yes, at least in the hearts of fans.
