When Deadpool 2 exploded onto screens in 2018, it wasn’t just the Merc with a Mouth or Cable who stole the show. Audiences were captivated by a different kind of character: Peter. Played by the brilliant character actor Rob Delaney, Peter Wisdom was introduced as an average Joe, just a regular guy answering an ad to join Deadpool’s newly forming X-Force team. This affable, power-free, skill-less individual instantly charmed Deadpool and became part of the squad. His initial stint was tragically short-lived, as he, along with most of the team, met a comically gruesome end on their very first mission – a truly memorable, albeit dark, cinematic moment. However, in the world of superheroes, death is rarely permanent, and Peter makes a surprising return in Deadpool & Wolverine.
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Peter’s Unexpected Comeback in Deadpool & Wolverine
Thanks to Cable’s convenient time-travel device (acquired by Deadpool, naturally), Wade Wilson was able to rewind time and rectify, among other things, Peter’s unfortunate demise. Fast forward six years to Deadpool & Wolverine, set on Earth-100005, and we find Peter and Wade in a drastically different scenario: co-workers at a mundane car dealership. They’ve traded superheroics for sales targets, leading a decidedly uneventful life together. Yet, Peter hasn’t entirely given up on Wade’s superhero persona, keeping his old Deadpool uniform tucked away in his work locker, a silent hope for a return to more exciting times.
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Deadpool & Wolverine highlights Peter’s significance in Wade’s life. He’s among the select few Wade genuinely cares about, evident by his presence at Wade’s birthday celebration early in the film. The climax of Deadpool & Wolverine sees Peter unexpectedly arrive for the climactic battle alongside the Deadpool Corps. Donning Wade’s old suit and adopting the moniker “Peterpool,” his mere presence becomes a game-changer, instantly halting the conflict. The revelation? Every Deadpool across the vast Multiverse has their own version of Peter, and none of them can bring themselves to harm this unassuming, ordinary man.
Comic Book Roots and Inspirations Behind Peterpool
The cinematic Peter Wisdom is primarily an original creation for Deadpool 2, lacking a direct counterpart in Marvel Comics. However, his character subtly weaves together elements from two existing Marvel characters, both named Peter. One is a household name in the superhero world, while the other is significantly more obscure.
Peterpool’s Spider-Man Influence
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In the comic book universe, Deadpool and the Amazing Spider-Man share a special, often comedic, friendship. (Some might even interpret a slight infatuation from Deadpool’s side). When Deadpool teeters on the edge of his darker impulses, it’s frequently Peter Parker who appeals to his better nature, and surprisingly, Wade often listens. Due to complex rights issues, Spider-Man couldn’t fulfill this role in the Deadpool movies. Therefore, a stand-in Peter was conceived. Nevertheless, fans hold onto the hope of witnessing Deadpool and the genuine Spidey sharing screen time, perhaps in Secret Wars, with Ryan Reynolds and Tom Holland engaging in witty banter and playfully irritating everyone around them.
The Obscure Namesake: Pete Wisdom of X-Men
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The less prominent comic book character inspiring Peter is Pete Wisdom, a mutant hero who emerged in the 1990s. Apart from sharing a first name, he’s essentially the polar opposite of Deadpool & Wolverine’s Peter. In comics, Pete Wisdom is a sarcastic, dry British agent working for MI13, specializing in occult matters, often seen as a nod to DC’s John Constantine. Like Constantine, he’s frequently depicted with a cigarette and trench coat. He joined the British X-Men team Excalibur and even had a brief romantic relationship with Kitty Pryde. His mutant ability involved projecting energy blades, which he humorously called “hot knives,” from his fingertips, making him, in some respects, a British version of Gambit. Interestingly, Pete Wisdom also became a member of X-Force later in his comic journey, establishing a loose connection with his cinematic namesake.
Peter’s Potential Future in the MCU
Ultimately, Peter Wisdom in the Deadpool films is a unique character, drawing only superficial inspiration from comic books. What’s undeniable is the audience’s affection for Rob Delaney’s portrayal and the character itself. As Deadpool’s journey progresses in the MCU, the hope is that Peter remains a constant presence by his side. Many believe he would be thoroughly entertained amidst the chaos of Battleworld in the anticipated Avengers: Secret Wars event.
