Even before Fox ever announced a movie about Deadpool, the character was always a cult favorite. Ask any con-goer just how many people they usually see dressed as the character: the answer is a lot.
But now, thanks to a movie that releases next month, and an incredibly genius marketing scheme, Deadpool is more popular than ever, meaning that the film about the Merc with the Mouth is probably one of the most highly anticipated movies of the year.
That brilliant marketing is still on a roll, and this month, it went into full gear. Not only did we get a special ad that billed the film as a romantic drama with artwork that made it seem like an adaptation of a Nicholas Sparks novel, but Marvel topped that off with a gigantic billboard that featured a skull and a steaming pile of poo with the letter "L."
Now, though, a very flirty Deadpool himself features front and center in a series of new posters released by Fox. Two of the posters boast lines like "Wait 'til you get a load of me" and "Justice has a new face," while a third features Deadpool making the sign of the heart with his hands, stating "Feel the love on Valentine's Day."
Deadpool, which stars Ryan Reynolds in the title role, does sound a little like a romantic comedy: it's about a guy who gets cancer and then goes to great lengths to live and be with the woman he loves (Morena Baccarin). Of course, those familiar with the Marvel Comics character understand that the true story of Deadpool is that he's a loose cannon in a world of superheroes, one who curses and resorts to violence first.
Deadpool is more antihero than hero, and actually began as a supervillain. Not only is he disfigured, but he's also mentally unstable, meaning that anything can happen when he's around.
Deadpool is also known as the Merc with the Mouth, because he often breaks the fourth wall and talks directly to the audience in the comics.
Reynolds' Deadpool made his first film appearance in 2009's X-Men Origins: Wolverine, but gets his own R-rated film this year.
Deadpool lands in theaters on Feb. 12.
