'He's just really unhinged': Sask. comic book fans reflect on Deadpool's ties to Saskatchewan

Ahead of the official release of Marvel Studio's Deadpool and Wolverine, CTV News caught up with comic book aficionados here in Saskatchewan – to explore why the “Regeneratin’ Degenerate” is beloved in the province.

Ethan White is the owner of Sky’s The Limit Comics in Weyburn, Sask. and a self described fan of the “Merc with a Mouth.”

He says Deadpool, the alter ego of mercenary Wade Wilson, is quite unique in the world of comic books for a couple reasons.

“[He’s] unique because his regeneration ability is a lot more advanced than a lot of other mutants. But he’s just really unhinged, and a lot of people can relate to that in a different way, shape or form,” he chuckled.

“Being a Canadian superhero kind of has its perks – like Deadpool being from Regina and all – at least confirmed in the movies,” he added.

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First appearing in Marvel Comics’ New Mutants Issue 98 in December of 1990 – Deadpool is generally considered a breakout character.

According to Marvel Comics, Deadpool is canonically Canadian – sharing that honour with another famous mutant – Wolverine.

The connection to Regina was cemented in 2016’s Deadpool starring Ryan Reynolds – when the red-clad vigilante uttered the famous line, “And that’s why Regina rhymes with fun.”

A much newer creation when compared to other Marvel mainstays such as Captain America (1941), Thor (1962) and Iron Man (1963) – Deadpool more than makes up for it in character.

He’s nearly unkillable. He always has a witty comment or a sly joke at the ready and on top of that – he breaks the fourth wall … a lot.

“A lot of people do like that aspect about a lot of characters in media. Deadpool being unhinged in a good way kind of works, because he's a hired gun. He's the Merc with a Mouth. He speaks whatever's on his mind,” White explained.

“He literally informs the audience about what he's about to do and then it's a miracle that the characters he's about to attack don't even hear him say anything in the moment.”

Regina’s Kramer IMAX Theatre was renamed to the Wade Wilson IMAX Theatre in an "officially unofficial" ribbon cutting event Thursday afternoon.

“I think that is a very, very clever move on IMAX’s part,” White commented.

The Kramer IMAX Theatre in Regina was temporarily renamed to the Wade Wilson IMAX Theatre in a ceremony on July 25, 2024. (David Prisciak/CTV News)

The Kramer IMAX Theatre in Regina was temporarily renamed to the Wade Wilson IMAX Theatre in a ceremony on July 25, 2024. (David Prisciak/CTV News)

The event was attended by more than 100 spectators – sporting Deadpool inspired clothing.

Cosplayers were also on the scene – sporting some truly impressive replicas of Wilson’s suit.

Fans got the opportunity to get a picture with not one but two Deadpools. (David Prisciak/CTV News)

Sask. Science Centre CEO Sandy Baumgartner spoke about the importance of the IMAX at the ribbon cutting.

“Not only are you great fans of Deadpool, because that's why you're here, but you're also huge fans of this theatre,” Baumgartner said. “So we could not be here without all of you coming out to films. So thank you so very much.”

As for the decision to rename the YQR staple, Baumgartner said it was a combined effort between the centre and the city.

“Everything that we do, we do in partnership with IMAX, and they pitch ideas to Disney on our behalf,” she explained. “We made sure that the mayor was aware of what we were doing, and we invited her to be a part of that pitch. She provided us with some kind words that we shared with IMAX and with Disney.

The effort was well worth it, according to Mayor Sandra Masters.

“It is awesome when our city gets mentioned in pop culture,” she said. “More of this would be good. It's only fitting we pay homage to Wade Wilson, Deadpool, Ryan Reynolds, here in Regina, Saskatchewan. He's a bit unconventional, but so are we – in the best possible way. We embrace our quirks, our sense of humor and a unique spirit that comes out of our city.”

Mayors Sandra Masters observes a miniature Deadpool statue at the newly renamed Wade Wilson IMAX Theatre. (David Prisciak/CTV News)

Also in attendance was Regina-born actor Style Dayne – who had a memorable role as Jeremy the pizza guy in the first Deadpool film.

“The process of filming the first Deadpool, there was a lot of improv in the scenes, and we were able to shy away from the script quite a bit,” he explained.

“So I have a feeling that the synergy that Ryan found when he brought Regina to the script is because he knew that at his heart and at Wade Wilson's core, this is where he lives.”

Regina actor Style Dayne attended the ceremony. He appeared in Deadpool (2016) as Jeremy the pizza guy. (David Prisciak/CTV News)

The name change will be in effect for the next two weeks as Deadpool and Wolverine: The IMAX Experience plays at the centre.

White had some advice to the theatre to make the move even more authentic to Deadpool’s personality.

“I definitely think that would be very awesome and characteristically accurate for Deadpool, to just have his face graffitied on the wall,” he chuckled.

As for how the long-awaited film will do at the theatres – White had some positive predictions.

“I have a feeling that it's going to be a box office smash hit, definitely. Because the other two Deadpool movies were and Wolverine hasn't been in a movie in quite a while,” he said.

“So it's an unexpected team up and everybody likes unexpected team ups.”