Fans of the Merc with a Mouth might be in for another unpredictable turn of events as Deadpool co-creator Rob Liefeld has taken to social media to hint at some turbulence with Disney right before the highly anticipated “Deadpool & Wolverine” release.
In a string of posts on X, formerly known as Twitter, Liefeld expressed his frustration and hinted at behind-the-scenes drama. “My reps were screamed at today ‘We are NOT Fox!’ Tell me about it. Also hung up on. More soon,” he posted yesterday evening. This cryptic message suggests that negotiations, possibly concerning his compensation, have become heated. Liefeld also added, “The big corps. seek to intimidate in all manner of ways, the little guys are always tasked with continuing to press forward despite the screaming.”
While Liefeld’s comments remain ambiguous, they seem to point towards an ongoing battle regarding fair compensation for his work. He further hinted at this when he remarked, “I didn’t have Warner Bros. treating me better than Disney on my bingo card. But there it is.” This statement is likely referring to his dealings with Warner Bros. to adapt his “Avengelyne” comic book series, highlighting a contrast in treatment he perceives from the two entertainment giants.
It’s not the first time comic creators have clashed with studios over compensation. Captain America writer Ed Brubaker, who co-created the Winter Soldier, shared similar sentiments in 2021, lamenting the lack of fair compensation despite the overwhelming success of characters they helped bring to life.
As “Deadpool & Wolverine” nears its release, it’s surprising that compensation issues are still being negotiated. One can’t help but wonder if the explosive success and unique nature of the earlier Deadpool films have raised expectations for equitable treatment under Disney’s banner.
What do you think about these creator versus corporation conflicts? Do you believe creators should receive higher compensations for their intellectual properties? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this story with fellow fans!
