Convention - Comic Con France 2025: Deadpool & X-Men Panel with Stefan Kapičić: Colossus Takes Center Stage

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

On April 12, 2025, Comic Con France's main stage at the Paris-Nord Villepinte Exhibition Center became the epicenter of excitement and enthusiasm, with a packed audience eagerly awaiting the much-anticipated Deadpool & X-Men panel featuring Stefan Kapičić. Best known to fans as the powerful and virtuous mutant Colossus from the acclaimed Deadpool film series, Kapičić’s charismatic presence was undeniable as he took the stage. The Serbian actor, who first donned the steel skin of Colossus in the groundbreaking 2016 hit Deadpool, quickly established himself as a fan-favorite for his authentic portrayal and humor-infused performance. Kapičić warmly greeted fans, who responded with raucous applause, reflecting their appreciation for both the actor and the beloved character.

Kapičić shared numerous behind-the-scenes anecdotes, offering unique insights into his journey as Colossus, from his unexpected casting process to the physically demanding performance through motion capture. Recalling the moment he discovered he had landed the role after enduring more than 120 takes during a marathon audition session with director Tim Miller, Kapičić humorously described the mix of exhaustion and exhilaration he felt. His genuine passion as a self-proclaimed comic-book enthusiast was evident, tracing back to childhood memories when his grandfather gifted him his first comic at the tender age of six, igniting a lifelong love affair with the medium. Fans resonated deeply with his evident dedication and authenticity, applauding his commitment to faithfully embodying the Russian-born mutant.

Delving further into the creation of his portrayal of Colossus, Kapičić explained how he approached the dual challenge of capturing the character’s imposing 7-and-a-half-foot physical stature while maintaining emotional depth and sincerity. Using a combination of motion-capture technology and voice work, he managed to convey both the physical presence and heartfelt humanity of Piotr Rasputin (Colossus's real name). He emphasized his personal attachment to the character’s integrity, strength, and unwavering morality, elements he considered essential to Colossus’s enduring appeal within the X-Men universe. His portrayal notably diverged from earlier cinematic interpretations, aligning closer to the beloved comic source material, a fact enthusiastically praised by dedicated fans.

The discussion also explored the enormous success of Deadpool & Wolverine (2024), a landmark film not only for its narrative boldness but also as Marvel Studios' first R-rated venture into the MCU. Kapičić elaborated on his enjoyable collaboration with co-star Ryan Reynolds, describing the supportive, often comedic dynamic that fueled their interactions on set. Fans delighted in stories about humorous off-camera moments, highlighting Reynolds’s playful improvisation that often challenged Kapičić to remain in character despite the chaos. The film, surpassing an astonishing global box office total of $1.3 billion, marked a significant milestone in comic book cinema, affirming the audience's embrace of darker, more mature storytelling blended seamlessly with irreverent humor.

Reflecting on the broader X-Men franchise, Kapičić spoke passionately about Colossus's role within this iconic superhero family, emphasizing the significance of teamwork, unity, and representation inherent in X-Men narratives. He discussed the character's symbolic value, especially relevant in contemporary contexts of diversity and acceptance. The audience appreciated his thoughtful perspective on the mutants’ metaphorical parallels to real-world struggles against prejudice and discrimination, reminding fans why the X-Men continue to resonate profoundly across generations.

As the panel drew to a close, Kapičić expressed heartfelt gratitude to the devoted fans whose unwavering support has continuously inspired his performances. Attendees, invigorated by the actor’s openness and authenticity, left the panel with renewed excitement for Colossus’s future adventures in upcoming films and series within Marvel's ever-expanding universe. This unforgettable encounter underscored Comic Con France's unique ability to bridge fans with their heroes, deepening their appreciation for the art of filmmaking and the enduring legacy of the X-Men.

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Photos and video : Boris Colletier / Mulderville