Here’s a paradox: There is so much, as well as nothing at all, going on in the new Deadpool 2 trailer released online this morning. Disguised as a Bob Ross parody, the teaser trailer for Deadpool 2 suddenly explodes with a bunch of brand new footage from the upcoming movie, with shots of new characters like Domino (Zazzie Beetz) as well as old favorites like Weasel (T.J. Miller) and Dopinder the taxi driver (Karan Sorin).
Then, there’s Negasonic Teenage Warhead, played by a returning Brianna Hildebrand. Though she has barely five seconds of screen time in the trailer, her appearance is such a show-stopper in a teaser overwhelmed by Wade Wilson’s juvenile antics. Here’s why, in plain terms, why Negasonic is just so fucking cool in Deadpool 2.
First, let’s just celebrate her attitude. Flipping the bird with an “I don’t give a shit” expression is practically a monument to the essence of 20th Century Fox’s foul-mouthed superhero franchise. A teenager, being vulgar? Heavens! That’s Deadpool to a T, friends, and Negasonic here is keeping in step.
Second, Negasonic’s new costume pops with color, it forces you to pay attention. Aside from the Bob Ross bits, there’s such a dark pale blue color palette, an aesthetic reminiscent of David Leitch’s John Wick movies. Even the shots containing Deadpool himself drown out his red costume into muted hues, which is upsetting since Deadpool is both literally and symbolically a colorful character. It also helps that Negasonic is shot under a clear warm sun, instead of overcast and night where you see most of Deadpool.
Third, I should say upfront I am a cisgendered straight male. But even I can see Negasonic, be it on the part of the costume department, the producers, or even from Hildebrand herself, has upped the ante on an androgynous look that is so strongly associated with queerness and non-binary identities. This isn’t to say Negasonic is a sight to gawk at. Rather, Negasonic displays an awe-inspiring confidence that forces you to, again, pay attention.
In Deadpool’s testosterone-driven corner, where Wade’s preoccupation with dick jokes and murdering people will clash with Josh Brolin’s Cable, who has big guns and bigger muscles, Negasonic stands out. Negasonic beckons attention, which is the whole point when one intends to steal the show.
Deadpool’s name may be the film’s title, but if Negasonic winds up being the best part of Deadpool 2 — even more than Cable or Zazie Beetz’s Domino — hopefully it won’t be hard to see why.
Deadpool 2 will hit theaters on June 1, 2018.