Ryan Reynolds is back in theaters as Deadpool in the new movie “Deadpool & Wolverine.” He’s been playing the character since 2009, becoming synonymous with the Merc with a Mouth. However, Reynolds isn’t the only actor to take on the role. There have been several attempts to bring Deadpool to life in various media, including video games and animated series. This article ranks all the Deadpools, from the worst to the best, taking into account their performances, faithfulness to the source material, and overall impact.
9. Mute Deadpool (X-Men Origins: Wolverine)
This version of Deadpool is considered a colossal creative misstep. The character, known for his quick wit and quips, is rendered speechless and incredibly generic. It’s unclear if it’s even Ryan Reynolds under the makeup, or just a stunt performer. Regardless, this is universally acknowledged as the worst portrayal of Deadpool.
8. Steve Blum’s Deadpool (X-Men Origins: Wolverine Video Game)
Steve Blum voiced Deadpool in the video game adaptation of “X-Men Origins: Wolverine.” While Blum is a talented voice actor, he’s hampered by the same issues that plagued the film adaptation. The voice acting itself isn’t bad, but it’s not the Deadpool we know and love.
7. Tom Kenny’s Deadpool (Marvel Super Hero Squad Online)
Tom Kenny, the voice of SpongeBob SquarePants, lent his voice to Deadpool in “Marvel Super Hero Squad Online.” While he captures some of Deadpool’s annoying aspects, it’s hard to listen to this version due to a mismatch between Kenny’s voice and the character’s persona.
6. Will Friedle’s Ultimate Deadpool (Ultimate Spider-Man)
To make Deadpool suitable for a more kid-friendly series like “Ultimate Spider-Man,” Marvel had to make significant changes, including making Deadpool younger. While Will Friedle is a talented voice actor, he simply doesn’t fit the role.
5. Jason Spisak’s Deadpool (Marvel Disk Wars: The Avengers, Marvel Future Avengers)
Jason Spisak voiced Deadpool in “Marvel Disk Wars: The Avengers” and “Marvel Future Avengers.” His performance is neither good nor bad, simply a middle-of-the-road interpretation of the character.
4. Ryan Reynolds’ Young Deadpool (X-Men Origins: Wolverine)
Ryan Reynolds’ portrayal of a young Deadpool in “X-Men Origins: Wolverine” is distinct from his later performances in the standalone films. This version has more of Reynolds’s usual persona, making it a decent portrayal, but not the full Deadpool experience.
3. John Kassir’s Deadpool (X-Men Legends II: Rise of Apocalypse, Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2)
John Kassir, known for voicing the Cryptkeeper in “Tales from the Crypt,” has also performed as Deadpool in several games. He captures the character’s manic energy, but his voice doesn’t quite match the iconic Deadpool.
2. Ryan Reynold’s Deadpool (Deadpool Movies)
Ryan Reynolds’ performance in the standalone “Deadpool” movies is widely loved and considered a success. He campaigned tirelessly to get the movie made, and audiences embraced his take on the character. The live-action Deadpool’s humor is closely aligned with Reynolds’s comedic style. His commitment to portraying Deadpool’s physical ugliness under the mask, a trait other actors might shy away from, adds to the authenticity of his portrayal. This is arguably Reynolds’s best comedic performance and would have easily claimed the top spot if not for one other actor.
1. Nolan North’s Deadpool (Various Video Games and Animated Films)
While many would expect Ryan Reynolds to take the No. 1 spot, Nolan North is the best Deadpool, embodying the comic book incarnation better than any other performer. North has voiced Deadpool in multiple video games and even an animated film, including “Deadpool,” “Marvel’s Midnight Suns,” “Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order,” “Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds,” “Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions,” and “Hulk Vs Wolverine.” North consistently delivers funny performances, nailing the voice and the character’s essence. He’s the perfect blend of madcap insanity and over-the-top humor. Just as Kevin Conroy defined Batman for a generation, North has established himself as the definitive voice of Deadpool.
