Convention - Comic Con France 2025: Deadpool Cosplay Contest: When the Merc with a Mouth Took Over the Main Stage

By Mulder, Villepinte, Parc des Expositions, 12 april 2025

On April 12, 2025, the main stage of Comic Con France transformed into a full-blown chaotic celebration of red-and-black madness, courtesy of the long-awaited Deadpool Cosplay Contest. What might have seemed like a niche fan event exploded into one of the most talked-about segments of the convention, blending the unapologetic irreverence of Wade Wilson himself with the diehard commitment of fans who not only dressed like Deadpool but became him—at least for an afternoon. With dozens of cosplayers channeling the fourth-wall-breaking antihero, the event wasn’t just a competition—it was a living, breathing tribute to one of Marvel’s most beloved, twisted icons.

Deadpool, as fans know, is not your average superhero. He’s a mercenary with a healing factor, a mouth that never shuts up, and a complex psychological profile that would make even the Joker pause. Created in 1990 by Fabian Nicieza and Rob Liefeld as a parody of DC's Deathstroke, Deadpool quickly evolved from villain to antihero to pop culture phenomenon. And that evolution has brought us here—to a moment where hundreds gather not just to admire Deadpool, but to emulate every nuance of his persona: from the classic comic book red-and-black spandex, to the battle-damaged movie suit with prop katanas, to Lady Deadpool, Dogpool, and even a few zombified or samurai variants. If Wade Wilson is anything, it’s adaptable—and so were the fans.

From the moment the event kicked off, it was clear that the contest was less about strict judging criteria and more about chaos, creativity, and how far contestants could push the Deadpool envelope. One fan skated onto the stage in rollerblades, wearing a hybrid Deadpool-Disco outfit complete with a boombox blasting ‘80s hits. Another—who ultimately won the “Most Disturbing Yet Hilarious” category—reenacted a mock fight against a cardboard cutout of Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine, complete with ketchup packets exploding across his chest. One of the youngest participants, a 10-year-old dressed as Kidpool with Nerf guns taped to his arms, stole the audience’s hearts with a mix of well-timed one-liners and dance moves that would’ve made even Ryan Reynolds smile.

What truly elevated this contest beyond standard cosplay fare was the self-awareness baked into every performance. Just as the character is known for breaking the fourth wall in comics and films, many contestants took the opportunity to parody not only Deadpool but also the event itself. Some jokingly addressed the audience as “NPCs,” while others shouted absurd conspiracy theories about the Marvel Cinematic Universe. One contestant came with cue cards mocking Disney’s corporate strategies, all while dressed in a bathrobe over his suit, sipping from a novelty mug that read, “I heart chimichangas.” It wasn’t just cosplay—it was performance art with maximum effort.

There was also an unspoken camaraderie in the air. Despite the character’s often solo escapades, the Deadpool fandom is a deeply inclusive one, embracing gender-swapped interpretations, crossover ideas (yes, Deadpool-Pikachu made a brief but glorious appearance), and an open invitation to weirdness. Whether you were a long-time comic reader, a casual movie fan, or someone who just liked the idea of wearing spandex and making fart jokes in public, you were welcome. That sense of freedom and acceptance is something Deadpool himself, in all his chaotic neutrality, would likely endorse.

Beyond the laughs and the lunacy, the contest also served as a reminder of how enduring and elastic the character has become since his comic book debut over three decades ago. From his grim origins as a scarred mercenary entangled with the Weapon X program, to his rise as a pop culture juggernaut capable of headlining movies, video games, and animated series, Deadpool has become more than just a character—he's a symbol of unapologetic weirdness. And in a world of increasingly formulaic heroes, that weirdness feels vital. The cosplay contest was a celebration of that energy, channeling every bit of the meta-humor, emotional depth, and absurdity that defines Wade Wilson’s world.

It’s worth noting that this particular event carried a bit more weight this year, with the impending release of Deadpool & Wolverine just a few months away. Anticipation is high, and fans used the contest not just to look back on the character’s comic book and cinematic legacy but to look forward to what’s next. Rumors swirled in the crowd about multiversal variants and MCU tie-ins, and you could feel the buzz building with every sword flourish and chimichanga reference on stage. Some fans even speculated whether Deadpool might show up live (or via pre-recorded message)—because honestly, would it be that far-fetched?

In the end, the Deadpool Cosplay Contest wasn’t just about who had the best suit or the wittiest one-liner. It was a vibrant, ridiculous, and heartfelt tribute to a character who thrives on breaking the rules and loving every minute of it. If Deadpool himself had been in attendance—and maybe he was, incognito in the crowd—he’d have probably shrugged, winked, and whispered something wildly inappropriate before heading off with a slice of pizza. And honestly? That would’ve been right on brand.

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Photos and video : Boris Colletier / Mulderville