Deadpool Creator Calls Out Kevin Feige for Bad Treatment of Comic Creators

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According to Rob Liefeld, the chief at Marvel, Kevin Feige, is not known for treating comic book creators favorably. Consequently, Liefeld has decided to sever ties with Marvel.

Initially, Marvel Comics and Marvel Studios operated independently. Kevin Feige oversaw the film division, while Ike Perlmutter and his Marvel Comics Creative Committee managed the comics and television brands, which led to productions like the Netflix shows such as Daredevil, and notable comic series like Annihilation, Planet Hulk, World War Hulk, and Civil War. However, Feige assumed control over all of Marvel in 2019, a change that has significantly affected Marvel’s direction. It is widely known that Feige had conflicts with the Marvel TV and Comics teams. Allegedly, Perlmutter was displeased with Feige’s incorporation of socially-conscious content into Marvel’s work, among other differences.

What did Rob Liefeld say about Kevin Feige and Marvel?

Rob Liefeld, famous for characters like Deadpool, Cable, and others, who contributed significantly to the blockbuster hits such as “Deadpool & Wolverine” in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, recently shared insights about Kevin Feige and Marvel Studios during his latest episode of his podcast, “Robservations”, as he spoke with The Hollywood Reporter.

According to Liefeld, who shared this during a podcast, “Kevin Feige doesn’t always treat comic book creators favorably, based on my own encounters.” He also expressed his opinion to THR that “Yes, I believe he could work on improving his rapport with comic creators.

Snubbed from Deadpool & Wolverine afterparty and at Red Carpet

Liefeld felt disappointed when neither he nor his family received an invitation to the Deadpool & Wolverine afterparty, as he had attended such events with the earlier Deadpool films under Fox before Disney took over.

According to Liefeld, he felt overlooked when Kevin Feige, who was close by during the Red Carpet premiere, chose not to recognize him.

On his podcast, Liefeld stated that it seemed as though the purpose of not inviting him to the afterparty was to humiliate, undermine, and outdo him.

Moreover, Liefeld mentions that photographs featuring him alongside the Deadpool & Wolverine team at the premiere were removed by Marvel.

Liefeld’s Marvel exit

Back in July, I made up my mind to part ways with Marvel, following the premiere of the project we were working on. On a recent podcast, I put it this way: ‘At some point, you realize that the message is loud and clear.’

As per Liefeld’s account, tensions arose between him and Marvel around early 2023 due to Roy Thomas being granted co-creator credit for Wolverine. However, it was Len Wein who had initially been credited as the creator of Wolverine, and this development upset Christine Valada, the widow of Wein, with whom Liefeld is friendly.

Liefeld’s Deadpool Team-Up #1 was his last comic book at Marvel Comics, published last August.

Not about the Money

Apart from financial matters, Liefeld emphasizes that he’s not just after money, given his lucrative deals within Marvel. In June of 2024, he sent an email to Marvel requesting a specific credit on Deadpool & Wolverine and any other projects they could offer him, including movie premieres, promotional opportunities, and so forth (notably, Deadpool & Wolverine features Liefeld’s “Just Feet” store). Although Marvel acknowledges creators in the post-credits of their films, Liefeld desires to be credited at the beginning, similar to the opening credits of the 1978 Superman movie, which listed Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster as Superman’s creators.

Marvel has never treated comic creators well

As a movie enthusiast, let me share with you what Liefeld expressed in his email: “Marvel hasn’t always shone when it comes to treating creators fairly. Without the realms, personalities, and ideas we bring to life – and speaking specifically about the Deadpool universe here – there would be no movies to film, no blockbusters to screen. I’m not a one-touch solution like the Staples Easy Button. I am the human creativity that breathes life into these stories.

Liefeld expressed his concern that comic book creators are often overlooked. He suggested that this issue can easily be resolved, but unless action is taken, it will not come to fruition. In other words, he stated that if he doesn’t speak up about it, nothing will change.

Based on THR’s report, Liefeld claims that neither a response nor approval was given to his email by Marvel, and this apparent tension may have been the reason for his non-invitation to the Deadpool & Wolverine afterparty. Additionally, Liefeld mentions that he was invited to the set of Deadpool & Wolverine in London but felt uncomfortable, although he did not elaborate on these feelings.

Insider responds

It appears that neither Disney nor Marvel has offered a response, and it seems unlikely they will. In response to Liefeld’s statements, an insider from THR countered with the following: “Though we appreciate his contributions, he doesn’t seem to value the contributions of others.

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2025-02-07 05:31