Copycat

A reference hidden in plain sight, never fully revealed.

Copycat is a mutant character from the Marvel Comics universe who appears in the 2016 film Deadpool only through subtle references. The film does not explore the character's comic book alter ego Copycat, as the writers wanted to focus on Deadpool. However, makeup designer Bill Corso included some references to Copycat's blue appearance in the comics within the film's design choices. The character's comic book identity is associated with Vanessa Carlysle, who appears in the film as an escort and Wade Wilson's girlfriend, played by Morena Baccarin.

Quick Facts

Real identity: Vanessa Carlysle

Lore & Background

In the 2016 film Deadpool, the character Vanessa Carlysle is portrayed as an escort and Wilson's girlfriend, described by actress Morena Baccarin as "scrappy" and not a damsel in distress. Makeup designer Bill Corso, however, included some references to Copycat's blue appearance in the comics. The character was initially designed as a "typical prostitute," but Baccarin worked with the costume and makeup teams to make her appearance more layered. The film's plot follows Wade Wilson's relationship with Vanessa: they become romantically involved, and a year later she accepts his marriage proposal.

After Wade becomes disfigured, he seeks out Vanessa but does not reveal that he is alive out of fear that she will shun him because of his scarred appearance. Later, Ajax kidnaps Vanessa from her apartment and takes her to the scrapyard where an abandoned Helicarrier wreckage is located. After Deadpool kills Ajax, Vanessa angrily berates Wade for leaving her but reconciles with him after she sees his disfigured face and learns the reason why he never came back to her.