Background of the Legal Dispute

In recent developments concerning the highly anticipated film Deadpool and Wolverine, Disney and Marvel have taken legal action in response to a subpoena related to the film’s character, “Nicepool.” The conflict centers on claims from Justin Baldoni, a director and actor, suggesting that this character may be a satirical portrayal of him, leading to allegations of defamation and harassment.

Marvel’s Legal Request

On a Friday, Disney and Marvel’s legal team submitted a request to a New York district judge, asking the court to quash the subpoena filed by Baldoni’s representatives and to issue a protective order. This action follows Baldoni’s request for documentation tied to “Nicepool,” specifically concerning its development and associated communications.

Baldoni’s legal representatives are pursuing extensive details, including all correspondence related to the character’s creation and representation in the film.

The Character in Question

The “Nicepool” character, depicted as a humorous, inverted version of Deadpool, reportedly features a man bun and identifies as a feminist. Notably, the character meets a grim fate in the film, which Baldoni alleges is intended as a personal attack, particularly given his prior association with Blake Lively, who co-stars with Ryan Reynolds.

Response from Reynolds’ Team

Ryan Reynolds’ legal team has responded firmly to Baldoni’s allegations. They assert that while “Nicepool” may have been inspired by Baldoni, the claim of emotional distress does not warrant a legal suit, emphasizing that “hurt feelings” cannot justify litigation.

Disney and Marvel’s Stance on Document Disclosure

In their recent letter to the court, Disney and Marvel highlighted the sensitive nature of the requested documents, likening their potential disclosure to revealing Colonel Sanders’ secret recipe. They argue that the integrity of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), built on interconnected narratives, hinges on maintaining confidentiality about ongoing film developments.

According to their legal representatives, “The requested documents are particularly sensitive because they relate to the development of a character in an ongoing movie franchise.” This defense underscores Marvel’s commitment to safeguarding the intricacies of its storytelling methodologies.

Legal Proceedings Ahead

As the legal drama unfolds, it comes after Lively filed a lawsuit against Baldoni for alleged harassment, which he countered with a substantial $400 million claim against her, Reynolds, their publicist, and The New York Times. The ensuing trial is scheduled to begin on March 9, 2026.