Rob Liefeld, co-creator of Deadpool, has stirred controversy with his recent comments suggesting that Kevin Feige, the President of Marvel Studios, should be dismissed. His criticism comes on the heels of the disappointing box office performance of Captain America: Brave New World, marking a notable shift in Liefeld’s relationship with the studio.
Following the film’s release, which saw a staggering 82.4% drop at the domestic box office, Liefeld voiced his frustrations, stating, “Get Feige off the mound. He’s spent.” His remarks have ignited speculation among fans regarding Feige’s future with Marvel Studios, although it appears he is set to remain in his position at least until the release of Secret Wars.
This isn’t Liefeld’s first public critique of Feige. On a recent podcast, he cited personal experiences of alleged mistreatment of comic book creators by Feige. He remarked, “Kevin Feige does not treat comic book creators well. That is my personal experience.”
Since early 2023, Liefeld’s grievances have escalated, particularly after the company’s controversial move to credit Wolverine’s co-creator differently than expected. He expressed his dissatisfaction regarding a lack of acknowledgment for his contributions to iconic characters like Deadpool and Wolverine, claiming his requests for credit and access to premieres were largely ignored. This culmination of events led to his decision to sever ties with Marvel following an exclusion from the Deadpool & Wolverine afterparty.