Warning: Spoilers ahead for Pooluminati #1! In the expansive Marvel Universe, hardly anyone is immune to the razor-sharp wit and humor of Deadpool. Known as the ultimate roastmaster, he famously swiped the Infinity Gauntlet from Thanos solely for the purpose of delivering comedic jabs at the entire Marvel roster. No heroes, villains, or even cosmic entities are safe when Wade Wilson is armed with quips—except for one notable individual from the real world.
One rare exception to Deadpool’s relentless humor is the esteemed Bill Murray, an Oscar-nominated actor who receives an unexpected pass in Pooluminati #1, as created by Zac Gorman and Todd Nauck. In a humorous twist, Deadpool emphasizes that he refuses to crack a single joke at Murray’s expense.
It’s particularly amusing that Deadpool chooses to steer clear of roasting Murray, especially since the iconic actor recently joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, Deadpool has a wealth of other targets—both in cinematic releases and comic panels—that he is more than willing to skewer before even considering Bill Murray off-limits.
The Unique Status of Bill Murray in Deadpool’s Universe
Insights on Pooluminati #1 from Zac Gorman, Todd Nauck, Rachelle Rosenberg, and Joe Sabino
In the narrative of Pooluminati #1, Wade and his daughter Ellie, who takes on the new mantle of Deadpool, have just wrapped up a challenging job together. This father-daughter duo aims to capture their escapades for a highlight reel. In one humorous exchange, they reference director Sofia Coppola, noting that her film, Lost in Translation, featured Bill Murray. Though tempted to poke fun at Murray for not needing to manage a decaying corpse, Wade distinctly declines, defending him with the statement, “The man was in Ghostbusters.”
The issue also includes a delightful backup story titled “The Li’l Daughters of Deadpool,” created by Alexis Quasarano, Enid Balam, Ian Herring, and Joe Sabino.
With a remarkable career that spans over five decades, Bill Murray remains a beloved figure in comedy, beloved by audiences worldwide. His legacy, punctuated by memorable performances in classics such as Ghostbusters, has won him an enduring fanbase—even amongst characters like Deadpool, who directly acknowledge his impact. Notably, Murray’s cameo in Zombieland serves as a testament to the goodwill he enjoys across the globe. Among roasters in Hollywood, Deadpool admires Murray, recognizing his contributions while cleverly skirting the opportunity to roast him.
Who Else Does Deadpool Target If Not Bill Murray?
Ryan Reynolds: The Primary Target of Deadpool’s Jokes
Although Deadpool avoids making remarks about Bill Murray, he is far from shy when it comes to roasting other celebrities—especially Ryan Reynolds, the actor best known for portraying Deadpool within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This dynamic often highlights a comedic disdain that Deadpool seems to hold for Reynolds, often interpreted as a self-referential jab since many fans see Deadpool as an extension of Reynolds himself.
The connection between these two characters goes back over a decade, with Deadpool delivering sly remarks about Reynolds long before the actor donned the red and black suit. As early as 2004, Deadpool referred to himself as a mix between Reynolds and a Shar-Pei puppy in Cable and Deadpool #2 by Fabian Nicieza and Mark Brooks. Following Reynolds’ casting, the creative teams embraced this meta-humor, leading to even more direct and sharper barbs directed at the actor.
Despite a diverse roster of targets within Deadpool’s arsenal of humor, nobody bears the brunt of it quite like Ryan Reynolds does. The humorous interplays often reference Reynolds’ peculiar quirks and extensive filmography, adding to the rich comedic tapestry that defines the character. Deadpool’s unique relationship with Reynolds further amplifies the laughs, keeping audiences engaged and entertained.
The MCU: A Potential Stage for Deadpool and Bill Murray to Connect
Bill Murray’s MCU Introduction: A Catalyst for Collaboration
Bill Murray made his Marvel Cinematic Universe debut as Krylar in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania in 2023. Following his entry, Deadpool officially joined the MCU, beginning with the highly anticipated crossover in Deadpool and Wolverine. This merger presents a thrilling opportunity for Marvel to explore Deadpool’s admiration for Murray through an epic encounter between these two beloved characters. Indeed, fans would find it entertaining to see Deadpool express his awe rather than making him the butt of the joke.
Regardless of whether a crossover occurs, the moment in Pooluminati #1 illustrates that Deadpool’s signature humor does not always have to be brutal. Sometimes, it can serve as a warm homage to those he respects. By subverting expectations and allowing Deadpool to honor icons like Bill Murray, the creators craft memorable moments that resonate with the audience just as much as his signature chaotic humor.
Pooluminati #1 is available now, published by Marvel Comics.