The explosive finale of Deadpool & Wolverine delivered everything fans hoped for, including a showdown featuring multiple Deadpool variants. Among them was Cowboypool, voiced by none other than Matthew McConaughey. This variant, also known as “The Deadpool Kid” in the comics, brought a unique blend of Deadpool’s irreverence with the swagger of a classic Western hero, complete with a cowboy hat, dual revolvers, and a gruff Southern accent. But what many fans may not know is that the character’s design paid homage to some of the greatest Western heroes in cinema, particularly Clint Eastwood’s iconic “Man With No Name” from Sergio Leone’s Dollars trilogy.
A Nod to Western Cinema’s Greats
Cowboypool’s character design was heavily influenced by legendary Western stars like John Wayne, Gary Cooper, and Randolph Scott. However, the most significant inspiration came from Clint Eastwood’s stoic gunslinger persona, famously portrayed in The Good, The Bad & the Ugly. In recently released concept art shared by artist Jonay Bacallado on Instagram, it was revealed that Cowboypool was originally envisioned to resemble Eastwood’s character even more closely.
In the early concept, Cowboypool sported a poncho reminiscent of the one Eastwood wore in the Dollars trilogy, along with a red fur vest and dark brown chaps, giving him a distinctly rugged and iconic Western look. Bacallado shared insights into the design process, noting that Cowboypool was one of the first characters conceptualized for the film. “Cowboypool was one of the first ones to be conceptualized. [Costume designer] Mayes [Rubeo] wanted to pay homage to the Western genre. We got inspiration from great icons like Clint Eastwood. We adapted shapes, materials, and motifs to a more organic vibe. The Deadpool poncho pattern was even created in the traditional method of knitting. Turned out to be a guy with so much attitude!” Bacallado wrote.
What Could Have Been: Fans React to Unused Designs
As more concept art from Deadpool & Wolverine makes its way online, fans are getting a glimpse of what could have been. Alternate designs for Cowboypool, as well as other characters like the Cavillerine, Jennifer Garner’s Elektra, and a bizarre Deadpool/Wolverine hybrid, have been widely shared and discussed. The Cowboypool design that leaned heavily into the Eastwood homage has particularly resonated with fans, many of whom expressed disappointment that this version didn’t make it into the final film.
The release of these concept designs has sparked excitement for an official Deadpool & Wolverine concept art book, which was first teased by artist Wesley Burt. While there’s no confirmed release date, rumors suggest the book could be available as early as October. Such art books are common for major superhero films, offering fans a deeper look into the creative process behind their favorite characters and scenes. Until the book’s release, fans will have to satisfy their curiosity by scrolling through social media to see the various designs that were considered for the film.
The Cowboypool That Could Have Been
The decision to give Cowboypool a more traditional Western look in Deadpool & Wolverine ultimately serves as a tribute to the genre’s enduring influence. While the final design in the movie differs slightly from the original concept, the character still carries the essence of the classic Western hero, albeit with a Deadpool twist. McConaughey’s performance as Cowboypool, combined with the character’s visual homage to Western legends, adds another layer of depth and fun to the film’s already packed narrative.
As Deadpool & Wolverine continues to screen in theaters, the impact of these design choices and the creativity behind them continues to be a topic of discussion among fans and critics alike. The Cowboypool variant stands out not just as a nod to Western cinema but as a testament to the film’s commitment to blending genres and paying homage to the classics in a fresh, modern way.
Tags: Deadpool, Wolverine, Cowboypool, Matthew McConaughey, Clint Eastwood, Marvel Studios,
