The Deadpool co-creator took to his Robservations podcast to air his grievances, detailing how Marvel Studios and Disney allegedly mistreated him during the much-hyped premiere event. While he was invited to the screening at Manhattan’s Lincoln Center, he claims he was snubbed from the official Disney afterparty—an exclusion that felt like a personal slight.
“They said, ‘Hey, you can come to the movie, [but] we’re not going to talk to you. We’re going to treat you much worse than 20th Century Fox could ever imagine,’” Liefeld vented on his podcast.
The situation worsened when Liefeld discovered his creator credits had been downplayed in the film’s mid-credits section rather than receiving a prominent mention at the start—something he believes comic book creators deserve.
To make matters worse, he claims photos taken at the event were mysteriously deleted before they could be posted anywhere, further fueling his frustration.
“At that point, I knew in my heart this association wouldn’t do me any good,” Liefeld said.
The Disney-Marvel Rift: A History of Undermining Creators?
While neither Marvel Studios nor Disney have publicly responded to Liefeld’s accusations, the controversy highlights an ongoing debate about how major studios treat the original creators behind their billion-dollar franchises.
Liefeld’s stance has ignited support from fans and fellow industry figures who argue that comic book creators often get the short end of the stick when their characters hit the big screen. He even drew comparisons to Superman creators Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, emphasizing that their names now appear at the beginning of every Superman film—something he believes should be industry standard.
“Yes, comic book creators should not have to fight to be seen. Yes, our credits should go at the start of the film, like Siegel & Shuster, as opposed to buried in the mid crawl after credits,” he wrote on X.
Ryan Reynolds Caught in the Crossfire—Again?
While the Deadpool debacle is primarily between Liefeld and Marvel, Ryan Reynolds finds himself unintentionally dragged into yet another controversy. Already facing scrutiny amid rumors of his involvement in the Blake Lively-Justin Baldoni feud, the Hollywood superstar now has to contend with the backlash surrounding Liefeld’s claims.
Fans on social media have been quick to point out that Reynolds, who is not just the face of Deadpool but also heavily involved in the creative process, has remained silent on the issue. While it’s unclear whether Reynolds had any say in how Marvel Studios handled Liefeld’s credits or exclusion, some are calling on him to speak up.
“Ryan Reynolds has the power to advocate for creators like Rob Liefeld. Why is he silent?” one fan tweeted.
Others, however, argue that this feud is between Liefeld and Marvel Studios, with Reynolds caught in the middle unfairly.
Liefeld’s Final Marvel Project: ‘Deadpool Team-Up’ in 2025
Despite the bitter ending, Liefeld has confirmed that he has one last Marvel project on the horizon—Deadpool Team-Up, set for release on February 12, 2025. After that, he says he’s done with Marvel for good.
“They embarrassed me, diminished me, and tried to defeat me. That’s not something I can just let slide,” he stated.
What’s Next for Deadpool and Marvel?
As Deadpool & Wolverine gears up for its theatrical release, the controversy surrounding Liefeld’s departure only adds to the swirling drama. With Marvel already facing declining box office returns and criticism for mishandling talent, this latest fallout could put further pressure on Kevin Feige’s leadership.
Will this public fallout push Marvel to rethink how it treats comic book creators? And will Ryan Reynolds break his silence on the issue?
One thing’s for sure—this isn’t the last we’ll hear about this messy Hollywood feud.