Summary

Deadpool’s weakness for kittens makes the character more relatable and likable, providing heartwarming and humorous storylines.
Ryan Reynolds embraces this weakness in real life, reinforcing Deadpool’s sense of humor and love for felines.
Deadpool 2 pays homage to Taylor Swift’s cats, showing how this weakness is a key element of the character’s persona.

After dropping a crowd-pleasing 9-minute teaser clip from Deadpool & Wolverine at CinemaCon 2024, enthusiasm for the R-rated Marvel movie has never been higher. While Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman play their superhero characters incredibly well by themselves, the comedic chemistry the two have off-screen is bound to inject the brio and bravado that the MCU needs to get back on track following a disappointing 2023. Of course, a neverending source of comedy for Deadpool can be found among his many strange soft spots and weaknesses.

Although Deadpool has several typical superhero weaknesses, such as Thanos’ Curse or Wolverine’s Muramasa Blade, nothing makes the character melt more than a litter of kittens. Cute, cuddly furry friends are nearly impossible to resist for most people, and beyond providing humorous storylines, Deadpool’s feline vulnerabilities make him even more relatable, heartwarming, and easy to identify with. Moreover, the silly phobia aligns perfectly with Deadpool’s absurd yet playful sense of humor.

The Magic of Gracking
Marvel Comics

While most people have a hard time resisting the cuteness of kittens, Deadpool notoriously mentioned that the young furry felines are his one true weakness. In the 2015 storyline “The Magic of Gracking” (Deadpool Vol 5 #40), Deadpool and Roxxon CEO Dario Aggar explain the adverse effects of “Gracking” (Gamma Fracturing), a high-tech form of fracking or drilling for cheap energy sources. The R-rated Marvel comic is presented as a children’s coloring book, which gives Deadpool’s encounter with the kittens a sillier and more playful vibe.

Upon confronting his enemies, Deadpool is besieged when a woman launches a litter of kittens at his body. As he tries to ward them off, the kittens sense Deadpool’s weakness and cuddle up to his arms and won’t let go. The feisty felines render the hero utterly powerless and prevent Deadpool from doing much good, resulting in his failure to save the day.

The funniest part is how Deadpool begins the showdown by stating: “Sorry guys, Deadpool Gotta Eat” as he lunges toward his feline foes as if he will easily devour them. Moments later, Deadpool is swarmed by the ferocious felines, forcing him to utter, “Yeaargh. Kittens! My Swords are Useless! The line has become so famous that it has been used as a catchphrase on various Deadpool merchandise, including a Walmart photo magnet.

Given Deadpool’s irreverent nature and R-rated sensibilities, witnessing him completely unravel in the presence of kittens only makes him more likable and easy to laugh at. The silly soft spot reinforces Deadpool’s specific brand of absurd humor. Deadpool often talks a great game and relies on blather and bluster to bluff his way through perilous scenarios. Kittens disallow him from doing so, which cuts him down to size, underscores his vulnerable side, and hilariously humbles his character with heartwarming results. The notion that a murderous immortal with very few ethics and morals can’t perform his heroic duties due to a litter of kittens staring his way is quintessential Deadpool.

Ryan Reynolds Embraces Deadpool’s One True Weakness

Deadpool’s soft spot for kittens isn’t limited to the pages of Marvel Comics. To honor Caturday in February 2016, Deadpool actor Ryan Reynolds posted an image of himself on Facebook wearing The Merc’s iconic red and black superhero costume. In the picture, four adorable kittens rest on Deadpool’s shoulder as he folds his arms in frustration, while another kitten sits on his lap.

Related 10 Movies to Watch While You Wait for Deadpool & Wolverine Here are the best movies to watch to prepare for the long-awaited Deadpool 3.

Reynolds brilliantly echoed Deadpool’s pitch-perfect sense of humor with the caption: “Caturday – I’m so over it.” The implication is that Deadpool is so weakened by the overwhelming adorableness of Caturday and its celebratory parade of kittens that he can no longer endure the unofficial holiday. Even shrewder as a promotional ploy, Reynolds posted the picture one week before the release of the first Deadpool movie. In Deadpool 2, Reynolds advanced the loving kitty weakness even further by giving a shoutout to his real-life friend, Taylor Swift.

Deadpool 2 Pays Homage to Taylor Swift’s Cats
20th Century Fox

In Deadpool 2, Wade Wilson off-sets the repulsion of his visage by wearing a white t-shirt with a pair of cute cats on the front. The shirt reads “Olivia & Meredith Best Friends Purrrrr-Ever.” Olivia and Meredith belong to mega pop star and surprise movie lover Taylor Swift and the production crew on Deadpool 2 had to get legal permission from Swift to use their likeness on the shirt and in the movie. While not kittens per se, the shirt advances the hysterical and heartwarming running gag that Deadpool’s one true weakness is baby cats.

Fans of Deadpool may not know that Reynolds and his wife Blake Lively are extremely close to Swift in real life. According to E! Online, Reynolds and Lively are two key members of Swift’s close inner circle. Their children refer to the singer as Aunt Taylor and “have played integral roles in some of her hit songs.” Reynolds paying homage to Swift’s cats while poking fun at Deadpool’s long-running weakness couldn’t be more on-brand for the iconic Marvel character.

On one hand, Deadpool is best known for his sardonic fourth-wall-breaking, rapid regeneration, and immortality. Despite his inability to permanently die, Deadpool’s one true weakness is a characteristic that reinforces his humor and humanity, a heartwarming aspect of his persona that makes him one of Marvel’s most beloved superheroes. Hopefully, a reference to Wade’s kitty weakness will be made in Deadpool & Wolverine.