Deadpool creator Rob Liefeld has dramatically cut ties with Marvel following what he described as disappointing treatment during the premiere of the franchise’s latest movie.
The 57-year-old writer and artist from California, US, who crafted the iconically irreverent anti-hero Deadpool, has collaborated with the comic giant for three impressive decades.
However, Liefeld reportedly felted ‘sidelines’ at the New York premiere of Deadpool and Wolverine, which was the first Deadpool film to be released since Disney acquired Fox.
Liefeld also says he felt ‘ignored’ by Disney bosses, including Marvel Studios head Kevin Fiege, at the event held back in July 2024. He was also reportedly upset to discover he and his family had not been invited to the premiere afterparty.
Speaking on his podcast Robservations, Liefeld claimed: “It was meant to embarrass, diminish, defeat me.
“At some point, you go, ‘I’ve received the message, and the message is clear.”
Express has contacted Marvel and Disney for comment.
As news circulates, many Deadpool fans are bringing up something about the comic book writer that has haunted him throughout his entire career – his dislike for drawing feet.
Those who have seen the Deadpool movies may have noticed some jokes about feet and not realised the connection. However, they are actually referring to Liefeld.
Ever since the 90s, when Liefeld rose to fame as a comic book artist, he has created a signature style where his characters are known for their for exaggerated features – just as their imposing frames, big high-tech guns and skintight outfits. However, a running jokes about Liefeld’s art style is that he doesn’t like drawing feet, so much so that they are usually always out of the frame.
The joke makes its way into both Deadpool 2 and Deadpool & Wolverine, with Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds) himself joking about it in the films.
Meanwhile, in Deadpool & Wolverine, you may have noticed a shoe store in the background before the big battle scene where Deadpool and Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) are about to battle the Deadpool Corps. The store is called “Liefeld’s Just Feet.”
In his comic books, that are many instances where Liefeld does draw feet on the covers and the interior artwork. However, they over look weird and more like little protrusions disproportionate to their characters’ legs.
As Liefield announced he was cutting ties with Marvel, one Deadpool fan commented on Reddit: “Based on the reactions I’ve seen so far, safe to say this isn’t going how Liefeld thought it would. Seems to have stuck his (poorly drawn) foot in his mouth big time.” Someone else replied: “Please he has enough money now he can pay other people to draw feet to stick in his mouth.”
Another chimed in: “You would think with all the money he’s made over the years, he could take some classes and learn how to f**king draw.” However another person argued: “Why would he change a thing when he’s made what is I’m sure is a comfortable living doing what he’s doing?”
A third chimed in: “From someone who primarily reads dc books, I can rest easy knowing he wants nothing to do with them. At least for now.”